tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9474136913348416732024-03-05T16:46:17.223+00:00Ultra Running & HuskiesThe Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-7619407824943971072017-01-15T18:13:00.001+00:002017-01-15T18:28:33.957+00:0045 miles is a long way to run<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcf-zZINsgriEnPBk7tHV2LPCP7DHbeuc-6bi2hRoN-BdczN_snvIQVflQKUHPAhGFPGjx77xES0eh5w9lzv59_aCgJywKd_tNocjHQi6I-sJKkml5oSQTEakA8h8SyvaUkTLV5SM1iY/s1600/IMG_0525%2528F%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcf-zZINsgriEnPBk7tHV2LPCP7DHbeuc-6bi2hRoN-BdczN_snvIQVflQKUHPAhGFPGjx77xES0eh5w9lzv59_aCgJywKd_tNocjHQi6I-sJKkml5oSQTEakA8h8SyvaUkTLV5SM1iY/s320/IMG_0525%2528F%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder….. Not
sure if long distance running events was in the foremost thoughts of the person
that created that saying!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Country to Capital is a 45 miles race from Wendover in
Buckinghamshire to Little Venice in central London. I was extremely anxious before the event, not
knowing if I could or if I should. But I
wanted to give it a go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My objectives for the race were quite simple. Be on the start line and run as far as I
could. How far I could actually run was
a huge unknown as the furthest that I have run non-stop since July 2013 was 20
miles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have run several races prior to 2013 where I refused to
quit and suffered the consequences. I have also quit races and suffered the
consequences. I have learned the
difference the hard way and was determined to use my experience to make the
right decision for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN3R7rgEZUkERYt7fZL721dd6idxO8wMShQSHQzh4nhZntkbgbPwobKOaJHmJD876Z2uPJfAGpjAbA20x_kyNwTanzEMcCuwhFYoSQQGboyhAiYi9PFjOgOU5vIpe5fU1JE_l2wLOyf8/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGN3R7rgEZUkERYt7fZL721dd6idxO8wMShQSHQzh4nhZntkbgbPwobKOaJHmJD876Z2uPJfAGpjAbA20x_kyNwTanzEMcCuwhFYoSQQGboyhAiYi9PFjOgOU5vIpe5fU1JE_l2wLOyf8/s320/DSC_0086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how do I work this watch....?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My four year abstinence from running ultras is a direct
result of my ankle “condition”. I
suffered a serious injury through over compensating and had major surgery on my
ankle (4 surgeries to date). The
combination of the surgery and the injury in that four year period resulted in
12 months of no running, with very little running in between. The bad news is that I will one day require
further surgery on my ankle. The good
news is that until that day there are no limitations on what I do. The impact of running is negligible and if I
can manage the pain then I can run to my heart’s content. I have a fabulous surgeon that has supported
me through all my operations and all my running successes to date.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The “stop if it hurts” philosophy doesn’t apply to my
ankle. If it did I would not get out of
bed in the morning, but I do know when too much pain is dangerous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOp68DJak_e74bI6kgOWG4aTLwHeVt74t5ssV0pMlI_qus8FhEUs0_vj-HhqrtUo_hUCnnPUtmLxaECWaAMMGabcO1jzKfz-o-z9FnDEqymNdGoTlgKlNX_hR1gKdnfNXHRdo4SMl90k/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOp68DJak_e74bI6kgOWG4aTLwHeVt74t5ssV0pMlI_qus8FhEUs0_vj-HhqrtUo_hUCnnPUtmLxaECWaAMMGabcO1jzKfz-o-z9FnDEqymNdGoTlgKlNX_hR1gKdnfNXHRdo4SMl90k/s320/DSC_0089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to London we did go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So with that in mind, when I started running in Wendover
yesterday I was prepared to be in so much pain that I would have to stop. If not ankle pain, then pain in another part
of my body that was not ready yet for running 45 miles.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I started slowly and at a pace that felt uncomfortably
slow. I was forced to walk up some of
the little hills due to congestion and that I am ashamed to say I found very
frustrated. All the hills were runnable
but the people around me chose to walk.
The route was very busy and there were runners all around me. I overtook them on the hills and then they
caught up on the flat sections.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKtZV8f2B3QPVlPW0PQr4svHSPOAKKOF-EmUQTv13B7vUQ4ZscYxKGzyNTTXPghHuhmpEpOZ0rgH8XBL5nXdiqgvi1ZQLWbZN9Vz4dXMaMfRc7d4mbhxFLMnv-GOzhZLcjFZtP4RDW6o/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKtZV8f2B3QPVlPW0PQr4svHSPOAKKOF-EmUQTv13B7vUQ4ZscYxKGzyNTTXPghHuhmpEpOZ0rgH8XBL5nXdiqgvi1ZQLWbZN9Vz4dXMaMfRc7d4mbhxFLMnv-GOzhZLcjFZtP4RDW6o/s320/DSC_0106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Local entertainment for the supporters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For the first 18 miles there was quite a battle in my mind. The demon dude was having a great time…. Telling
me to quit, I was no longer able to run long distances and should be at home
playing with dogs and ponies and drinking beer with Ian. Quit and retire from ultra-running. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The temptation to agree to demon dudes demands was rather
strong, especially as I kept on seeing Ian and the dogs as he supported me in
exemplary fashion along the route. I had
already spotted that Ian had purchased a little mini keg of beer from a local
brewery while driving between check points – yes, he really is that good!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXJEDnwTLmP53ZY9Fyh1dV-arfjbOr9HJYZugqNVqO4WaZqnZFKvfloaKTZTd-g3tIFiul2kZ730rfTTJvdLiUsEbzjbnPY78wX7LfrN8XjzV4I1vLT2MsP4rfBhGY7DrJVQM_9_kv1s/s1600/IMG_0457%2528F%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXJEDnwTLmP53ZY9Fyh1dV-arfjbOr9HJYZugqNVqO4WaZqnZFKvfloaKTZTd-g3tIFiul2kZ730rfTTJvdLiUsEbzjbnPY78wX7LfrN8XjzV4I1vLT2MsP4rfBhGY7DrJVQM_9_kv1s/s320/IMG_0457%2528F%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running in the zone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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Anyway, back to the demon dude battle in my mind. Around about the 18 mile point, I crossed over
the M25 and found myself alone, there were no other runners in close proximity
and I actually started believing that I could finish the race. If I could run 18 miles without a significant
physical issue then a few more miles beyond marathon distance was
possible. Yeah I know my maths is rubbish!<br />
<br />
From the M25 to Little Venice it felt like I was flying. The demon dude left my mind and the little
angel appeared and gave me my wings. I
changed my shoes just before I reached the canal tow path - I needed the cushioning
of my favourite road shoes to reduce the pain.
One of the hardest parts of the race was changing my shoes as my hands
were so cold courtesy of the conditions and then I forgot my gloves!<br />
<br />
The shoe change and sudden focus on the race produced a huge improvement in my
running performance. From running 6-9
minutes per kilometre I found myself running just under 6 minutes per kilometre.
<br />
<br />
I had a little wobble at the 26 mile point when I threw all my toys out of the
pram and just stood by the side of the path fiddling with my mobile phone.
Thankfully my toddler tantrum was short lived and I started running again. The pain was a little bit uncomfortable at
this point, but inspired my most favourite person’s saying “the pain is no less
the slower you run”, I tried to run as quickly as my legs would allow me. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWPM9lintfMIDuu7HZ2N5UhtJdVRev9g4VTozU5eCG0ARRZfXF1zD6H85J_RXQ1aj3jmgSHlxt1hrIE0Cqh0sJeOF5LhyYZlC5lSWzfDZIe3-IScVRjmBxY0YfVYcJR6KV9joY_nxQWg/s1600/IMG_0541%2528F%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWPM9lintfMIDuu7HZ2N5UhtJdVRev9g4VTozU5eCG0ARRZfXF1zD6H85J_RXQ1aj3jmgSHlxt1hrIE0Cqh0sJeOF5LhyYZlC5lSWzfDZIe3-IScVRjmBxY0YfVYcJR6KV9joY_nxQWg/s320/IMG_0541%2528F%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a>My most favourite person also made me wear a Garmin for the duration of this
event. It had the course on it so that I
did not get lost and it also recorded my run, from start to finish.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I ran most of the first half just under 10 minute miles
pace, the canal tow path at 8:30 minute miles and then finished the last ¼ mile just over 6 minute mile pace. Now that’s a progressive run!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But more importantly than any statistics, after all that has
happened in the past 4 years and successfully finishing this event I now believe
that I am still an ultra-runner and my best performance ever as an ultra-runner
is yet to come. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My fuel for the race was water, <a href="http://www.clifbar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Clif Shot Bloks, Clif Bar,</a> honey
and fruit pancakes, plus some of the wonderful cake that <a href="http://gobeyondultra.co.uk/" target="_blank">Go Beyond</a> serves at
their fabulous check points. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Thanks to Ian B-B for the photos and never ending support</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-51476525119914973112015-12-30T16:06:00.003+00:002015-12-30T16:06:54.228+00:00Dear Krofti, thank you for a lifetime together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOfHswPSdIjS6icv9IN6cxQcYIJkabGYHer6lLaOmpMcnRKtxqBsjKB1U4sY9T-g2Cs59ZwOhglVlfOvIlpPUXyztcoOIt5PeIToKisq9U66JGKMprwMU7JYB4FqDc6IdTDvxEvz3Ltc/s1600/IMG_8315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOfHswPSdIjS6icv9IN6cxQcYIJkabGYHer6lLaOmpMcnRKtxqBsjKB1U4sY9T-g2Cs59ZwOhglVlfOvIlpPUXyztcoOIt5PeIToKisq9U66JGKMprwMU7JYB4FqDc6IdTDvxEvz3Ltc/s320/IMG_8315.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Dear Krofti,<br />
<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I am sorry that it has taken so long to write. Every time I thought of you, the words in my
mind were drowned by the tears from my eyes.
Managing life without you has been strange. For so long you were there beside me. For one decade and a half we lived together
and breathed together. So much in life
that we experienced together, I grew up with you in my life, while you grew up
and grew old. I wish you could have
stayed forever in my life, but I am grateful that you can still visit me in my
dreams.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlFj-2zu1yJQ9ViTrSA08BPHXmaRvxg659Np3pKqFJ7Gqq7qNqj2WUJCbkgK7DBlRUpSt_oqGRrDCryFUzVkhFpFOFJeug8A2mJ2f5vX7Lir9cnxioAR7WVwMFKCQMoZ0G8e15n2MpUY/s1600/IMG_8193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlFj-2zu1yJQ9ViTrSA08BPHXmaRvxg659Np3pKqFJ7Gqq7qNqj2WUJCbkgK7DBlRUpSt_oqGRrDCryFUzVkhFpFOFJeug8A2mJ2f5vX7Lir9cnxioAR7WVwMFKCQMoZ0G8e15n2MpUY/s320/IMG_8193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I remember the day we met. I was not allowed to touch you. I had to wait until your mother was ready for
me to hold you and take care of you. I
promised to give you the life that you deserved and as I recall the memories of
our life together, I believe that I fulfilled that promise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglK1srOy4Ynh47aBYlnlqzm9qzygsW9HOgbzyZP-UiAUHe45zOIWLfO7Nym0KPbf6qxMdItZ52AOpxzpqypD348I633pp-JhssC69c580aSsupH5ipkLiHN57zfTckH0LpHyz3SI7VcBo/s1600/19800_10204793066401060_1914237364790011977_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglK1srOy4Ynh47aBYlnlqzm9qzygsW9HOgbzyZP-UiAUHe45zOIWLfO7Nym0KPbf6qxMdItZ52AOpxzpqypD348I633pp-JhssC69c580aSsupH5ipkLiHN57zfTckH0LpHyz3SI7VcBo/s320/19800_10204793066401060_1914237364790011977_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So many memories, if I was to share them all I would be
writing until age overcame my body and my fingers could write no more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you remember when you were a very small pup and I took
you to my place of work and introduced you to my new friends? It was not long after I started working for
that company and although I moved on, those friends have become old friends and
one particular friend became your special friend too. She helped you when you needed help and as a
result you developed a very special bond with her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqZi_b3QpstMpVAUXW4BLvjx9ChkaI2sLNZv9jG4Fd8NFtRNYp_XcYJhxZCitVkI4xe4THfUrehykfzN7-gUvaCb8y5WTQVjJlO4Tm1MVSK79BSI4CPYldxoGTSSk4ntrkHVnJJSYn98/s1600/11095592_10204793069881147_4253444504098398737_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqZi_b3QpstMpVAUXW4BLvjx9ChkaI2sLNZv9jG4Fd8NFtRNYp_XcYJhxZCitVkI4xe4THfUrehykfzN7-gUvaCb8y5WTQVjJlO4Tm1MVSK79BSI4CPYldxoGTSSk4ntrkHVnJJSYn98/s320/11095592_10204793069881147_4253444504098398737_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And all the people that you have run with over the years, so
many that fell in love with you and enjoyed your company, especially the
children that you ran with over the years.
Your love of children was apparent from a very young age, you trusted
them and did not fear them and in return they gave you what you loved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DbDWfvk-mhl73G27wvqBpVZVA_dAaWci9o20DNn9IctrQCUwrSyheqBbEoOWJRr01kvN6XygoOrgbZuDMdW5byKE6zuTXigrAPIZoOqlBBY8JjAWaNXkCRXb6gYAOS6bpKyeJqeXpC4/s1600/11083753_10204793068561114_7094474876487134174_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DbDWfvk-mhl73G27wvqBpVZVA_dAaWci9o20DNn9IctrQCUwrSyheqBbEoOWJRr01kvN6XygoOrgbZuDMdW5byKE6zuTXigrAPIZoOqlBBY8JjAWaNXkCRXb6gYAOS6bpKyeJqeXpC4/s320/11083753_10204793068561114_7094474876487134174_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnq6Q-qHaiW2tQRq38LtET6lHivkPjK9VApfisaWqVEZVJuRV3HqGqxMz2OnpW7dqzVNN4_dgCCIsXpMcpHA8sBuyC4Vf5IlwwJZdhnpWNMFVSJGM0t3noNczaiXg8MdiSNGXO9EC6hDc/s1600/IMG_3064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnq6Q-qHaiW2tQRq38LtET6lHivkPjK9VApfisaWqVEZVJuRV3HqGqxMz2OnpW7dqzVNN4_dgCCIsXpMcpHA8sBuyC4Vf5IlwwJZdhnpWNMFVSJGM0t3noNczaiXg8MdiSNGXO9EC6hDc/s320/IMG_3064.JPG" width="320" /></a>Many did not realise how shy you were, especially as a pup. One of my most precious memories of you was
how you behaved during our first Christmas together when you ran into the house
to see me, not realising at first that there was a large family gathering in
the living room…… </div>
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<br /></div>
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You ran smiling to me
and then panicked, slipping on the floor as you dashed towards me. You reached the safety of my legs, cowered
down and then dared to peak round my legs at all the strange faces. You were scared and looked to me for guidance. I helped you then and on many other days when
you became uncertain of a situation. You
followed my lead, but I did not understand how closely you followed me until
many years later….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In 2007 we found ourselves “homeless”, living in temporary
accommodation. Yes we had a house to
live in and food on the table, but we no longer had a home. The future was uncertain for you, me, Kai,
Kade and Brego. Should we return to my
place of birth or could we remain and create our own life and find a new home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I promised to find us all a home. That was my priority. I had to make a huge sacrifice along the way
and Brego moved away to a life without us, but I found us that home. The Pink Castle as it became affectionately known:
a house in a beautiful location, with a huge garden and cool rooms for Siberian
Huskies during the heat of a summer day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKcyiVTV9jGJoBNemiB6j9uiCIVe_hzi6ihCnzLoIDfeuPJvqixrc6O0FfEy7thF2TzMPer4bbzO8weouDhqF6aMZIGFtA3lifjif155W8FImGgxCkx6CBbliUEkVxtLWucQS7ZES7m0/s1600/Official+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKcyiVTV9jGJoBNemiB6j9uiCIVe_hzi6ihCnzLoIDfeuPJvqixrc6O0FfEy7thF2TzMPer4bbzO8weouDhqF6aMZIGFtA3lifjif155W8FImGgxCkx6CBbliUEkVxtLWucQS7ZES7m0/s320/Official+Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a>The day we moved there you changed. You became relaxed, chilled and bounced
around everywhere with a huge smile on your face every day. I had not realised how stressed you had
become through me. My stress passed to
you and you struggled to deflect it. But
it went deeper than that. You were
happiest when the whole team was happy and when Ian joined our team your
happiness reached a new level. Your
beautiful words of song were frequently heard in the village when one of your
beloved team members was absent… <br />
<br />
Rest assured dear Krofti that you will be with the team when we walk down the
aisle to meet Ian next year. Our
Honeymoon was booked thinking of you and your special friend will be the
special friend that makes sure I get to the church on time….<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQxnlkm_35aU5KTwOQuOQcp3HrNqzyuxF9SxA_a9kt5Pz7VGVyFjPAJTVOA1-6-UddUR1PC_mR9D70QLf6ZAO0nm6E537Xe4HI2s9VBtGtnLadopVPXPeGITQspgb6HRzCGNo64u_5Sg/s1600/378954_330716163609745_237169166297779_1426806_216189178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQxnlkm_35aU5KTwOQuOQcp3HrNqzyuxF9SxA_a9kt5Pz7VGVyFjPAJTVOA1-6-UddUR1PC_mR9D70QLf6ZAO0nm6E537Xe4HI2s9VBtGtnLadopVPXPeGITQspgb6HRzCGNo64u_5Sg/s320/378954_330716163609745_237169166297779_1426806_216189178_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX93NENBejYkv51qvJhc1nM-OcUHTaeuZZyd9UAR1KGeNd71zgom7PBwQE4tCezyXJehjfghVtkRdWlM9BKHyWn_viv9N1zN74wANr99cANmUvkvQoGU3evlcjcpr8ctRyyXfU3_oF9w8/s1600/IMG_9710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX93NENBejYkv51qvJhc1nM-OcUHTaeuZZyd9UAR1KGeNd71zgom7PBwQE4tCezyXJehjfghVtkRdWlM9BKHyWn_viv9N1zN74wANr99cANmUvkvQoGU3evlcjcpr8ctRyyXfU3_oF9w8/s320/IMG_9710.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOono-kuOMJ9UC4K9qAjCncK-GhwEtY8jIt4R62R_-LrwUYPELPGptS9vRilg21vaZn4U2d0RTF3bflT0rFhRZU4zvkfV8eS4l3Zj55v3ZT0Z8b8QL3CXar6gadl-rb25rEkm8uTbzqM/s1600/IMG_4852a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOono-kuOMJ9UC4K9qAjCncK-GhwEtY8jIt4R62R_-LrwUYPELPGptS9vRilg21vaZn4U2d0RTF3bflT0rFhRZU4zvkfV8eS4l3Zj55v3ZT0Z8b8QL3CXar6gadl-rb25rEkm8uTbzqM/s320/IMG_4852a.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
I want to write forever to you, talk of the times we ran together
and the times that you ran with others. The
time you ran in the Olympic Torch Relay as I carried the precious flame. The times you played with ponies and cats and
rabbits – the only Siberian Husky I have ever known that loved all forms of
life and hunted none. The one time you
accidently killed a mouse remains strongly in my mind as I accidently captured
the experience on camera! I want to write about the times that you shared
your sense of humour with us, entertained us and forced us to respect you and
understand why you did what you did. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
want to write about all the foster dogs that lived with us and how you helped
teach them about respect. You did not
suffer fools gladly and I am forever grateful for that. You guided us and tried to help us understand. I want to write forever, but I cannot. I will never forget you, but our family needs
me and the future needs me. The memories
of our life together are so precious and deeply ingrained in my mind, etched
forever, along with the memories of our lives with Friday, Kai, Kade, Brego, Kez,
Ian, Lara, Kobi, Kroi, Spike and Arwen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cF7wat9qluC60VfWsWdMpLOz-BEOzHqOWCd1CEsfS6ZK_a59gcN1Sor9jzvVYWyFdGY7igJSS7SQxFvhXbiDrgDK1CNjDuVMbXQ1YrBDRZBMsncXo8_c2gcv52xVwQcFLDdiQirltQM/s1600/PB261208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cF7wat9qluC60VfWsWdMpLOz-BEOzHqOWCd1CEsfS6ZK_a59gcN1Sor9jzvVYWyFdGY7igJSS7SQxFvhXbiDrgDK1CNjDuVMbXQ1YrBDRZBMsncXo8_c2gcv52xVwQcFLDdiQirltQM/s320/PB261208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I missed you this Christmas, dear Krofti, but every time I
did I looked deep in my heart and mind and found you. No matter what, I believe that you are out
there somewhere, finally reunited with the pack that we both loved, watching us
all from above. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please take care of
Spike, he can be a very naughty dude sometimes and even with his Angel wings,
he may not be ready to be good all the time.
He needs guidance and if anyone can do that, you can.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until we meet again dear Krofti, I look forward to seeing
you in my dreams.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forever and a day I love you. xx</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(<i>images thanks to Ian J Berry, Carolyn Thompson Easter, Paul Hammon and Eastleigh parkrun</i>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-77982006565754307842015-11-01T17:31:00.000+00:002015-11-03T20:36:49.080+00:00Spike - This is not a Story of The Blues<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qwIkAoicFG1QfQgGjP0rbk-SrtPIlD9AQzwTYgSqm40DlSl55zR43aYcfEZuNLalswHo3l2S8tKdivH2CLRhWPVZfMQOvnOOH98Kbv1UhgDEo8lxb5URpMMESeAYknyuQWyke-nkuNE/s1600/IMG_9417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qwIkAoicFG1QfQgGjP0rbk-SrtPIlD9AQzwTYgSqm40DlSl55zR43aYcfEZuNLalswHo3l2S8tKdivH2CLRhWPVZfMQOvnOOH98Kbv1UhgDEo8lxb5URpMMESeAYknyuQWyke-nkuNE/s320/IMG_9417.JPG" width="320" /></a>When we first met Spike he was called Blue and he was grey/
black in colour. For a short while he
was called Little Boy Blue and then he became Spike. Spike was the most colourful husky I have
ever known, both inside and out. He saw
beauty and felt delight in all that was around him, he found pleasure in things
that many of us take for granted. He was
a very special Husky and his essence radiated outwards, shared with all he met.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-hia-LIE8_yoXPXSozJi3ZQrwW9-yqZY5oksi6e27co67QDXr7pOaymCkP3AwoPXZRVVJabcarjWD1reYIFG2z_59lnSCcTA8xGIUa0G7vBx71ib7cGAndrSvSfL9vK4gUGM8vuRMYs/s1600/PSX_20141109_212458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-hia-LIE8_yoXPXSozJi3ZQrwW9-yqZY5oksi6e27co67QDXr7pOaymCkP3AwoPXZRVVJabcarjWD1reYIFG2z_59lnSCcTA8xGIUa0G7vBx71ib7cGAndrSvSfL9vK4gUGM8vuRMYs/s320/PSX_20141109_212458.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To view the world from Spike’s perspective ensures a
personal experience that warms your heart and lifts your mind. While greys and blues were Spike’s external
colours, his mind was a beautiful never ending rainbow…. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To walk down a path and be entranced by a leaf dancing in
the wind; to then gaze at the leaves as they fall from the trees during the
Autumn fall, entranced by their natural beauty; to gaze for hours at birds
flying high in the sky, wondering where their journey will take them; to bounce
like a frog when trying to hunt them….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7BwRhIHLGChIxvFNOOkXAJIsNeLRyNPSSBpuWYt5qKuY3csCAnHpLwHG-Xz5Ysi7ZHJUltNRxwDSYVqYE52xj5MWTUnhyphenhyphenBwBeMZ3-Kns6dMU9miloZENUEN5jxybIdsYS05QfIpk8H0/s1600/IMG_8028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7BwRhIHLGChIxvFNOOkXAJIsNeLRyNPSSBpuWYt5qKuY3csCAnHpLwHG-Xz5Ysi7ZHJUltNRxwDSYVqYE52xj5MWTUnhyphenhyphenBwBeMZ3-Kns6dMU9miloZENUEN5jxybIdsYS05QfIpk8H0/s320/IMG_8028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Spike was fascinated with all that was around him and all
the living creatures he met, humans, horses and pigeons were his favourite, but
let us not forget the squirrels and cats too.
For some unbeknown reason, he did not react strongly to deer and hares
which are the two creatures that our other Siberian Huskies react strongest
too.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was scared of badgers, probably originating from the time
one charged straight at him along a narrow path. I do not believe Mr Brock’s intention was to
attack Spike, it just panicked and chose the most direct route home, straight
through Spike and the human holding his lead.
Mr Brock was on a collision course with both Spike and I, but we were
saved from the impact by the dog we call Superbrat. There was a short scuffle before Mr Brock
decided that a fight with Superbrat was not a good idea and went home to tell
his family about the day he took on a Siberian Husky….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6krM5i2ZDBI0efPDHJkkoF-4uVLUm5rV0Y4sPxEaeeEtlBAkwwspc5oMEnOHipGZz_R-KOs2ifu-f29LewL0bS9ot4mW9Svd2b0uapYY18RQvV2GUaIIN5eA0umq0uuY3-4Y5jhagJ8/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6krM5i2ZDBI0efPDHJkkoF-4uVLUm5rV0Y4sPxEaeeEtlBAkwwspc5oMEnOHipGZz_R-KOs2ifu-f29LewL0bS9ot4mW9Svd2b0uapYY18RQvV2GUaIIN5eA0umq0uuY3-4Y5jhagJ8/s320/IMG_3458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even left-over porridge would light up Spike’s face. He loved porridge, cottage cheese and mashed
potato and would bounce around in sheer delight when they were on the
menu. Give him raw meat and “normal”
husky food and dinner would begrudgingly be consumed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike’s naughtiness brought colour into our lives. In a silent room he would suddenly charge and
start shouting, trying to evoke a reaction in the innocent person deep in
concentration. If he was reprimanded he
would simply dash out the room and peek his head round the corner, and shout
even louder. This was a game he used to
love playing regularly with me, irritatingly distract me and then run
away. When I realised the objective of
the game it became easier to pretend to be cross, but hard not to laugh seeing
the pleasure that it clearly brought him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
In the darkness of the night, he would awaken the household
to let us all know that a hedgehog was trespassing in the garden. Cue lots of red words from the humans as
sleep was adjourned and replaced with the hedgehog emergency rescue operation
procedure.<br />
<div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2al9xFnRrlazABFlYmpWJ5_V3xbpBLkkBTA4htoCCxGI_v4kRL2CxpvN-tuerXW_rtLOqjGbHBaXa9U3VMriqj3Wn9Y9c4KAmK4Dj76u6KYA6saPgWOSbzicWrjkhQFMMJzz4TT0RP4/s1600/IMG_9758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD2al9xFnRrlazABFlYmpWJ5_V3xbpBLkkBTA4htoCCxGI_v4kRL2CxpvN-tuerXW_rtLOqjGbHBaXa9U3VMriqj3Wn9Y9c4KAmK4Dj76u6KYA6saPgWOSbzicWrjkhQFMMJzz4TT0RP4/s320/IMG_9758.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Spike left us, we entered a very dark world. It was full of blackness with multiple
streaks of blues. Immense sadness that
we would never again see or feel him, hear his shouts or see his smiles. And as the sadness subsided there were
tormenting questions in the mind. The passing
of any young creature always brings those tormenting questions, always wishes
and dreams that something could have been different.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJRiPFPgHlAI4cfS8ryuyKnxFZAtrmGTWKKRDxhhEc0xb39kwz1HG4pG1hiC5N3k4JxQzNC3AISo5lykkKdNU0EIq1uO_6P38KLQkBa4RwkA-d8-6oAk4UtiQEGgIWBNXUGE6UJm7aN4/s1600/Spike04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJRiPFPgHlAI4cfS8ryuyKnxFZAtrmGTWKKRDxhhEc0xb39kwz1HG4pG1hiC5N3k4JxQzNC3AISo5lykkKdNU0EIq1uO_6P38KLQkBa4RwkA-d8-6oAk4UtiQEGgIWBNXUGE6UJm7aN4/s320/Spike04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As time passes, our lives are becoming colourful again as we
remember the lessons in life that Spike taught us and our happy memories of him
replace the sadness of the things we never got to show him or share with
him. Spike taught us to see beauty in
all that is around us, take joy in simple things and do all that you can when
you can. Seize every opportunity that
comes your way and accept everyone for who and what they are. Spike had a very damaged and disabled body,
but he did not let that hinder his positive outlook on life. His determined
mind set appeared to give his frail body a special power and ability that defied
medical logic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In September we took Spike to a beer festival in the New
Forest where the Ukulele band “The Mother Ukers” was performing. The lead singer saw Spike happily playing
with children and dedicated a song (ironically “Love Cats”!) to him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6ez0jPBD1KxFp-hkqSNj2BduEdKqDScxgD17NaqJFkB9HgCY5g0P99D6cD_wN9SLYozsjfU2yKvjQ2jxY6ReFsXxmUer4TdglLl0kKPfIr-WCd3tR6hJgoCgaN1pjPBbNDZ70jXuzEM/s1600/Mother+Uckers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6ez0jPBD1KxFp-hkqSNj2BduEdKqDScxgD17NaqJFkB9HgCY5g0P99D6cD_wN9SLYozsjfU2yKvjQ2jxY6ReFsXxmUer4TdglLl0kKPfIr-WCd3tR6hJgoCgaN1pjPBbNDZ70jXuzEM/s320/Mother+Uckers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday we went to a beer festival where the same band was
playing. Unbeknown to me they had
learned of Spike’s passing. They
dedicated one of their songs to him and it was not only us that felt immensely
profound emotional impact. The majority of
the audience started dancing around and singing, I have never seen anything
like it at a CAMRA beer festival. The
crowd responded to that dedication and the merriment continued for the
remainder of the band’s performance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigsQ4prwRtZfiAyK2w7GcQHOglVcAZerlmtnAVxCPHM2f1SqWaV2LS1_3zhuawPtxU03gKVGhiZAeTh5xPPBXcWHTOU0k-gP5qrSwwL92IombpkuXI7LBRfEir_1xQE-2SHBx1_8gRBk/s1600/16331715284_a29b4265d6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigsQ4prwRtZfiAyK2w7GcQHOglVcAZerlmtnAVxCPHM2f1SqWaV2LS1_3zhuawPtxU03gKVGhiZAeTh5xPPBXcWHTOU0k-gP5qrSwwL92IombpkuXI7LBRfEir_1xQE-2SHBx1_8gRBk/s320/16331715284_a29b4265d6_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>The song they chose was “500 miles” by the Proclaimers. One day I hope to run again and when I do I want
to run 500 miles for Spike. I want to
run each of those 500 miles in beautiful colour. It will be my tribute to Spike and
confirmation that his legacy lives on, in me, in you and in anyone that chooses
to view the world in multi layered colour, no matter what life throws at them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(<i><b>Eternal thanks to Ian J Berry for his outstanding photos and helping to make me cry with happiness at a beer festival</b></i>)</div>
</div>
The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-55200261501455893472015-10-06T19:32:00.001+01:002015-10-06T19:32:04.938+01:00One last letter to Spike<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Spike,</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for always being you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueJmrlA1qaWJG5VfKTOvN1Tok3eG1_lU1Y166pA2exkFpOAs4ICs4PekrGSgXs6dD1Hbg3T79RMskfSN8YwCNzlSJNcgNFosrFCNthX5QW2zpabVtMJ5oxZGJ8mpMHIWU7Hgq2qlNmLs/s1600/1+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueJmrlA1qaWJG5VfKTOvN1Tok3eG1_lU1Y166pA2exkFpOAs4ICs4PekrGSgXs6dD1Hbg3T79RMskfSN8YwCNzlSJNcgNFosrFCNthX5QW2zpabVtMJ5oxZGJ8mpMHIWU7Hgq2qlNmLs/s320/1+April+2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days after we met, the day you met your special friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The day we met you we were astounded with your fighting
spirit and determination. A pitiful bag
of bones with very little fur you bounced into our lives with a personality
bigger than any dog I have ever known.
Neglected and abandoned by humans you had learned how to survive. Not only how to survive, you had taught
yourself how to make the most of every day and every opportunity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You were only supposed to stay with us for a few short
months. We were going to nurse you back
to health and help find you a forever home.
We did that and off you went to your new home, we shed tears on the day
you left, but felt proud that we had achieved our objective.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
36 hours later you were back with us. It matters not why you returned, but truth be
known, we were rather happy when we picked you up and brought you home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pYpAR2zjgC-8H96cWwtq329zSFuttK8Kze8ksQk1EcriO1X21ql-j0sdIJEpVMLm6AGpDbkJbPq4xUpHW3Il7imwlv9Tfv2ERWm5_u27kj1pJcXHTsTsTjzMr2ScXXn27JOhMlH23U0/s1600/1402008_305338646336513_251078003523991056_o+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pYpAR2zjgC-8H96cWwtq329zSFuttK8Kze8ksQk1EcriO1X21ql-j0sdIJEpVMLm6AGpDbkJbPq4xUpHW3Il7imwlv9Tfv2ERWm5_u27kj1pJcXHTsTsTjzMr2ScXXn27JOhMlH23U0/s320/1402008_305338646336513_251078003523991056_o+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>And that is what our house became to you. Our house became your home and you joined our
family. History will show that we
officially adopted you after we learned of the extent of your disabilities
several months later, but the reality is that when Ian and I hugged you on the
day you returned from the failed adoptive home, we were never going to let you
go again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Learning about the full extent of your physical issues was
hard. The scans and x-rays at the best veterinary
facilities in the world confirmed news we had feared and were not prepared
for. Severe elbow dysplasia on top of
the hip dysplasia we already knew about.
You were only one year old and the only options for you were elbow
replacements and a life of operation, 6 month cage rest, another operation and another
6 months cage rest. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB_v0SAk2I7sjKVz9XDOoLdNwji-eJUCSgDlGe6MEDhDLpm5wgFkwkt30hf7yLFYUttMU7ip54P3BEj1Av6W_4dPuUn7YXXsDAHk8VmSWLI6M8ye-Ii4A5Krzf2xu3gVDIz65E93AE_A/s1600/One+day+I+will+be+bigger+than+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxB_v0SAk2I7sjKVz9XDOoLdNwji-eJUCSgDlGe6MEDhDLpm5wgFkwkt30hf7yLFYUttMU7ip54P3BEj1Av6W_4dPuUn7YXXsDAHk8VmSWLI6M8ye-Ii4A5Krzf2xu3gVDIz65E93AE_A/s320/One+day+I+will+be+bigger+than+you.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing spirit, you believed in yourself for sure!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From an ethical perspective we could not do that to
you. So we made a promise to you, that
for the rest of your life we would do all that was humanly possible to give you
happiness. The expert medics forewarned
us that 6-9 months would be the time that we had left with you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess you had other ideas….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You showed us what made you happy… new experiences; running
with your Siberian Husky brothers; meeting people; eating weird foods like
porridge and cottage cheese; watching birds; playing with ponies; chasing yard
brooms at work; hugs; hunting hedgehogs in the garden; barking at birds;
ripping up Ben10 duvets; biting the water from the hose; being tickled; hanging
out with our Husky friends; warmth, especially the sunshine and radiators in
winter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We helped you have then all.
Truth be known, I didn’t like the shouting, but you knew that didn’t you?
And that is why you always shouted at me
and then dashed away before peeping round the corner to see my response. I saw the smile on your face… it was our
game.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBUqD-EhJ1vts4xE7ZqGm7LNaiTDkWDke6p-hH5rB1JW9KKWk0cC5hpTTGZOzTassvwErvCSh7c5l-ynrry0spSSzdEsEl_kskjCLyLW6P7EkAcESRWP9gCO9lkC8tWpNazy0n12mWJo/s1600/1556415_596820947039657_1625409634_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBUqD-EhJ1vts4xE7ZqGm7LNaiTDkWDke6p-hH5rB1JW9KKWk0cC5hpTTGZOzTassvwErvCSh7c5l-ynrry0spSSzdEsEl_kskjCLyLW6P7EkAcESRWP9gCO9lkC8tWpNazy0n12mWJo/s320/1556415_596820947039657_1625409634_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>Your happiest moments were when you ran with your Husky
brothers. I had the honour and privilege
of running most of them with you. Yes I
got frustrated when you shouted at the others and refused to follow my
instructions, but I know only too well how annoyed I get when someone tells me
not to do something I want to!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You scared us last year when you ruptured your left
cruciate. Emergency surgery was
performed but we were worried as to how you would cope with the recovery. You coped, just. It was horrible to watch you struggle. One of the worst experiences I had in life
was seeing you after that operation. You
had had enough of medical intervention and from that day forth you were never
going to trust another vet, apart from your special friend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To see you run again after that was nothing short of a
miracle. But we lived in fear that one
day your other cruciate would rupture and if it did we knew surgery was not an
option. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsWal_dCL3etRH-2rL4ZsagjY4EsK3bEKjINRVzfLMHBlHvLr5QihWSzNQpsU_IHL4sgGDDGH0agSJfLZZeXIfW0XmNeJzadgBx0OYtKUVUMswKI6oc4zKjECuRQ9iryvsch6LQ6FaX8/s1600/IMG_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsWal_dCL3etRH-2rL4ZsagjY4EsK3bEKjINRVzfLMHBlHvLr5QihWSzNQpsU_IHL4sgGDDGH0agSJfLZZeXIfW0XmNeJzadgBx0OYtKUVUMswKI6oc4zKjECuRQ9iryvsch6LQ6FaX8/s320/IMG_0224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The people that saved your life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When it happened on Sunday, it broke me and it broke
everyone in the family. To watch you
struggle to stand or lie down was heart-breaking. We knew that our time together was coming to
an end. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But before I go, I have some amazing news for you. Do you remember the last time we ran
together? That moment was captured on
video and as of today over 15,000 people have viewed it!! That is amazing as the memory of that run is
forever etched in my mind and many others too.
<br />
You had that impact on people, they will never forget you because you are one
of the special beings that lived and walked amongst us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I write to you a song as just come on the radio that
sings about “from a distance”…. You are so far now from me and I hate that. I want to hug you and know that I will never again
do that. I hope you are watching from up
above and knowing how much we are missing you.
Forever and a day I will remember you and on the days when I struggle I
will remember you and rise above it all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZYCU5HnawqaHjgvuR7l6CCRV9bXZNf6_RK2lJGxHoz1KPo5BFpWpU0MnMjjykPo_hcKA14zQzu8WZww7W0X3-STNczpL_hc2XJCeXC5tqdhf1xmrSie-AndFXxJ9D1JOrukvfrFLOuU/s1600/10478696_10205441342527558_8808315001094368794_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZYCU5HnawqaHjgvuR7l6CCRV9bXZNf6_RK2lJGxHoz1KPo5BFpWpU0MnMjjykPo_hcKA14zQzu8WZww7W0X3-STNczpL_hc2XJCeXC5tqdhf1xmrSie-AndFXxJ9D1JOrukvfrFLOuU/s320/10478696_10205441342527558_8808315001094368794_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very special morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You taught us so much about life Spike in the short time
that you lived with us. Thank you for
all that you gave us.<br />
<br />
I will never forget today. You collapsed
in my arms and I had the honour of carrying you to the place where you fell
asleep forever, surrounded by your favourite people and the Huskies that became
your family. Ian held you and Kroi stood
watching over you as you fell asleep, but you don’t need me to tell you that,
you knew. Your hero and pack leader was
with you as you fell asleep, to dream forever. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Go now and catch those dreams, run forever pain free. You are one of the most inspirational beings
I have ever known and one day I will write a book about our life together. The book will include another special dude
that led you to us. His name was Kobi,
you would have liked him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the hardest letter I have ever written. Tears are flooding down my face as I think of
you. We miss you so much already. We want to hear shouting at us, annoying us, anything
to break the deadly silence that is now around us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Forever and a day, we love you Spike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sandra and Ian xx<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(thank you North Pole Marathon, without your help Spike's life would have been very different)</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-62552033856916634592015-10-04T17:08:00.005+01:002015-10-04T17:08:51.657+01:00Spike: the little star that still sparkles<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNHBRdAxO-1BqTtihH30cSh3wM1ftUSHJncRiqv9P8ZEHBVM0EbJiAOfMwwupEv-reyAs-xJqNC5kOSDN-AeoQmll6V2CLbajvPUbK4UNeQ6MolicIFj4LasVc4P0bJ9qQkP6jSQj0vs/s1600/1836949_234813836722328_8537256125226559678_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNHBRdAxO-1BqTtihH30cSh3wM1ftUSHJncRiqv9P8ZEHBVM0EbJiAOfMwwupEv-reyAs-xJqNC5kOSDN-AeoQmll6V2CLbajvPUbK4UNeQ6MolicIFj4LasVc4P0bJ9qQkP6jSQj0vs/s320/1836949_234813836722328_8537256125226559678_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>Spike gave us a terrible fright recently. <br />His condition has been gradually deteriorating
for several months and he suddenly became very lame on his one “good” leg, his
right hind. There was no incident or
trauma, he just stopped wanting to use the leg properly. This was the only leg that, to date had not
appeared to give him significant pain.
He struggled to stand up and lie down and did not want to weight bear on
that leg. We placed him on even more
restricted exercise, which he struggled to cope with and became very
depressed. It looked like he was going
to slip away from us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TRwc9g3sr-y4HlqX3LNPFhAmbDAn6x9c7BgIQHmyf1x2uNTaad218wAGsWzX2uuGjwvqhdgZL_K7BzmEApLGZeD6yburpC0lnkbhBkbaskyllbKDyJiMTpWbOSlYijTK4l10hpfHO2s/s1600/Legs+04.10.15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TRwc9g3sr-y4HlqX3LNPFhAmbDAn6x9c7BgIQHmyf1x2uNTaad218wAGsWzX2uuGjwvqhdgZL_K7BzmEApLGZeD6yburpC0lnkbhBkbaskyllbKDyJiMTpWbOSlYijTK4l10hpfHO2s/s320/Legs+04.10.15.JPG" width="180" /></a>We increased his medication and hoped for another miracle
from our special little star.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We took him to <a href="http://topdoghydrotherapy.com/">Top
Dog hydrotherapy</a> fearing that it would be his last ever session. We were worried that even gentle exercise in
controlled conditions and with his body supported by water would be too much
for his fragile body. The water in the tank
was set higher than normal and the treadmill was on extra slow setting. Even with the support of the water Spike
still only toe touched his right leg while stationary, but he did use it when
moving and his range of movement improved as the session progressed. Once the session was over Spike looked
happier and there was a definite sign of the sparkling Spike that we have come
to know and love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We took him home after his hydro session, he had dinner and
then he crashed for the rest of the day.
I think he slept for 12 hours solid in the same place. He awoke when we did the next morning and was
extremely stiff, but after a few minutes moving around he started using the
right hind leg, albeit limping heavily.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was perkier all weekend and after another successful
laser treatment session from <a href="http://shelleydoxey.co.uk/veterinary-acupuncture.html">Shelley</a> we
felt a glimmer of hope that another Spike miracle was happening. Based on historical evidence, every time his
condition worsens he stumbles, but then he appears to accept his new situation
and fights back with renewed energy. His
fighting spirit is incredible and his adaptability astounding. Having legs that don’t work properly does not
stop him from digging, bouncing around and shouting at the top of his
voice. What does bother him is not being
able to run and work with the other members of the pack. That makes him very sad and we have to give
him extra stimulation to make up for something he will never have again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTNjuEvXr7ADRnDzPhNscXCHawZmcJx6a20eQNYIzJsGUMTZvv7444CxAH-Nvcnwq640qYOFZePJLVcwHcestz_h7UotGxcVfOcwTJxeF2aaxNvW6acpSbzmI8TJ3hDITfXE2eENvP4I/s1600/Cuckoo+beer+festival+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTNjuEvXr7ADRnDzPhNscXCHawZmcJx6a20eQNYIzJsGUMTZvv7444CxAH-Nvcnwq640qYOFZePJLVcwHcestz_h7UotGxcVfOcwTJxeF2aaxNvW6acpSbzmI8TJ3hDITfXE2eENvP4I/s320/Cuckoo+beer+festival+2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully Spike loves meeting people and doing things like
going to shops, pubs or beer festivals.
He loves the attention and is a social butterfly. I am also very grateful that we have a very
stable pack and when the bottom of the pack member gets special trips out with the
Humans of the family, the other Siberian Huskies are totally accepting of
this. Although he is quickly reprimanded
by boss dog when he gets over cocky about his privileged status! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike now has hydrotherapy and laser treatment every week,
he also wears pyjamas at night to keep his joints warm. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, there is further bad news.,,,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Spike ruptured his left, cruciate ligament in September
2014 and underwent emergency TPLO surgery, we knew that there was a high
probability he would sustain the same injury in his right leg. We have tried to protect him as much as
possible while allowing him to enjoy life and our hearts sink with each new
discovery of pain or lameness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-bLfr2xd6jdqckLWBPYowSJ2aItyUTFlWaatHA8_wENZHtj-JFPi9m4rbgeWRV4GCHSDM1DLTZoxSWwnorHT2DgzNgaa_GmsrBGH_MAHlAVA4-SpybgsudL21q8OSCtxg6slBlI9pWU/s1600/Spike+in+pyjamas+28.09.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-bLfr2xd6jdqckLWBPYowSJ2aItyUTFlWaatHA8_wENZHtj-JFPi9m4rbgeWRV4GCHSDM1DLTZoxSWwnorHT2DgzNgaa_GmsrBGH_MAHlAVA4-SpybgsudL21q8OSCtxg6slBlI9pWU/s320/Spike+in+pyjamas+28.09.15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Following careful examination from our favourite vet this
week, we know that Spike is feeling pain in his elbows, hips, back and his
right knee. There is also swelling in
his knee. There is a very high
probability that his cruciate will either partially or fully rupture. From an ethical perspective Spike cannot
undergo another TPLO procedure. It breaks
our hearts to make this statement, but we have to be realistic about Spike’s
condition and his quality of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There may be something that we can do to protect
Spike’s knee without surgical intervention.
When humans damage their joints, they can opt to wear a brace to support
the weakened area. I know only too well
the benefits of ankle supports and braces as I have worn one frequently since I
was a child and have maintained a high level of activity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knee braces for dogs are available, but with a very limited
success rate. On-line reports on their
usage are generally based on dogs in good health where surgery is an option
that is pursued. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have made contact with a very well know Veterinary
Practice and also a company that make braces for dogs. We will know more next week as to what our
options are, but we do know that it would have to be custom made for Spike,
which will take time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaitHa_t0TA9YngXLrJosnDGgnBZhdHmgtBUhidVnlVWzR77O6BoQJBR2A1s3xY8o5AUOUoUJFhstHDD1pjk7ju8GcFr9sCF1urkZoDaKi_xRonUzcXiLwhxriJgH6yQDem3h9YxQnoM/s1600/09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUaitHa_t0TA9YngXLrJosnDGgnBZhdHmgtBUhidVnlVWzR77O6BoQJBR2A1s3xY8o5AUOUoUJFhstHDD1pjk7ju8GcFr9sCF1urkZoDaKi_xRonUzcXiLwhxriJgH6yQDem3h9YxQnoM/s320/09.jpg" width="320" /></a>Or there may be some engineering genius out there that could
design and make a brace for Spike. We
are also considering shaving his leg and applying KT tape…. Well it does
apparently work well for humans and horses so why not dogs!<br />
<br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the meantime, our Superstar Spike continues to sparkle a little every
day. He is not yet ready to become a
Supernova <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> </div>
<br />
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<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-36984555591924650022015-09-06T16:46:00.003+01:002015-09-06T16:53:10.540+01:00When quitting is not an option, it is a death sentence...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2JYdDTko6G8RrG6XhmfsdLAi3T5SvPkilLEufRtw7Otwqdgae8tjK7-obPYDE7bz3vLwLTwLcXdlvdET8fYAnW3oFth_cyCIqQdQXQ0zAU3tc5i5zpcOeeXY9gITQoExQCT21X-AnG0/s1600/Spikes+dream+%2526+NPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZyfS881Gk6GC2oSJqGZoFxi219DiHupljXpUhdF4MJX_f1yyq_hnYZviIj7V1_Vrso1D5JG-b-2YmrgwVi-ETX4OHSeMM6m4jmGau2_Id3vJMpudpCTS-yuAQctMzHRy0DTcbw1qTrE/s1600/camel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZyfS881Gk6GC2oSJqGZoFxi219DiHupljXpUhdF4MJX_f1yyq_hnYZviIj7V1_Vrso1D5JG-b-2YmrgwVi-ETX4OHSeMM6m4jmGau2_Id3vJMpudpCTS-yuAQctMzHRy0DTcbw1qTrE/s640/camel.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I first started writing today I was going to write
about me. It was going to be about the
techniques I have used of late to manage my temporary life of severe
restrictions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then something happened to stop me in my tracks…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was tiding up dogs toys today (we have a lot of them!)
I made three piles:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Keepers - to be washed in the washing machine<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
Dead toys, to be disposed of <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
Undecided.
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simple plan you would think, what could go wrong…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I placed the “dead” toys on a table, the “to be cleaned”
toys in a neat pile on the floor and the “keepers” in the toy box, the “undecided”
were located close to the “keepers”. As
I did this, all four dogs were fast asleep, or so I thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K-r8mi4C7jm8mikWCcVAoN2aaJiOzN0f_TkXZ0T4smNxUAU0snZS-QcERpTjeKp7OcJMPwfpfhJKngxm7-GXJGsA9cFjdElfaCeDwIuFBmDH4tV_GbiPvRTTnph3a5PUEPFyEAdkF1o/s1600/20130825_181428_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K-r8mi4C7jm8mikWCcVAoN2aaJiOzN0f_TkXZ0T4smNxUAU0snZS-QcERpTjeKp7OcJMPwfpfhJKngxm7-GXJGsA9cFjdElfaCeDwIuFBmDH4tV_GbiPvRTTnph3a5PUEPFyEAdkF1o/s320/20130825_181428_resized.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
I went upstairs and returned to find all the “dead” toys happily
living on the floor and the smallest toy ever (from the undecided pile) in a
corner near the front door. All dogs
were fast asleep in the garden and in the dogs’ room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what happened in the minutes I was upstairs?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can guess who was responsible for the removal of the toys
from the table because every time I go to throw out a toy he decides that it is
the best toy ever and starts playing with it or puts it somewhere only he is
allowed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
But what I did not understand was why the smallest toy ever
was under corner protection, almost hidden from view. That is not normal behaviour for Superbrat,
he is the most honest and open dog I have ever known, some might call him brash
with some of his behaviours, but I chose the words predictable and self-assured…. He does not do secretive or unusual, no way
did he place a toy into a corner, unless I don’t know him as well as I believe that
I do…<br />
<br />
I puzzled over this scenario for a few minutes.
I was pretty confident that the world’s smallest toy was not a prized
possession for a Superbrat dog, so I came up with a plan. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I strategically placed all the toys and walked away… <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And my plan worked. I returned to find the world’s
smallest dog toy in a corner, but this time it had extra protection. A very growly dog was standing guard over
it. As I approached his growling became
louder. This toy was his and no way was
any dog or human going to take it from him.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2JYdDTko6G8RrG6XhmfsdLAi3T5SvPkilLEufRtw7Otwqdgae8tjK7-obPYDE7bz3vLwLTwLcXdlvdET8fYAnW3oFth_cyCIqQdQXQ0zAU3tc5i5zpcOeeXY9gITQoExQCT21X-AnG0/s1600/Spikes+dream+%2526+NPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2JYdDTko6G8RrG6XhmfsdLAi3T5SvPkilLEufRtw7Otwqdgae8tjK7-obPYDE7bz3vLwLTwLcXdlvdET8fYAnW3oFth_cyCIqQdQXQ0zAU3tc5i5zpcOeeXY9gITQoExQCT21X-AnG0/s320/Spikes+dream+%2526+NPM.jpg" width="240" /></a>This was the point I burst into tears.
My gut instinct was correct.
Spike had chosen to save probably the only toy that Superbrat had no
interest in. It did not squeak, had
little stuffing worth removing and it came from McDonalds.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
None of that mattered all that mattered to Spike was that it
was his. A dog found on the street in a
horrendous condition, he is a survivor and a fighter when it matters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through my tears I was still able to connect with Spike and
he allowed me to pick up his prized possession and play with him, it was a very
special moment. Two years ago he would
have bitten me if I tried to take his toy.
I have always respected his fear and that is why he has never bitten me,
he trusts me now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdi1A2fRUu5w1P_gRrEov1dcYzbxPnHQG75B1bCiThzN0sb0nmyXbVZU8FIl9a4_9JIXA_qBMgCl5gnfGcU1054HtSnRHWhX3E49hzPvbAoaRQ_L5Gzo8UlmFTpHBu3XqD1pUnH8G2dc/s1600/Stones+at+castlerigg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdi1A2fRUu5w1P_gRrEov1dcYzbxPnHQG75B1bCiThzN0sb0nmyXbVZU8FIl9a4_9JIXA_qBMgCl5gnfGcU1054HtSnRHWhX3E49hzPvbAoaRQ_L5Gzo8UlmFTpHBu3XqD1pUnH8G2dc/s320/Stones+at+castlerigg.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike has been struggling recently and his deformities cause
him great pain, each and every day.
Spike has amazing supporters that help him and he is on daily pain
medication, but drugs can only help to a certain point. We made a promise when we adopted Spike that
when he stopped loving life we would help him over the rainbow bridge. I remember this vow every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVES7PMFEG78tepvS394EURTT39D-uNz_UAdSgIGb12I2Y8Bk9E2JjNHkTsjGR2rV8D0Lv6X7LrqHMcqa3DxYcDhlpLPWV6oljwGdE7MqmTSPlxXdiiK7kiw7BclutZB1uZQE4RXnQPKc/s1600/Spike+in+the+team+27.06.15+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVES7PMFEG78tepvS394EURTT39D-uNz_UAdSgIGb12I2Y8Bk9E2JjNHkTsjGR2rV8D0Lv6X7LrqHMcqa3DxYcDhlpLPWV6oljwGdE7MqmTSPlxXdiiK7kiw7BclutZB1uZQE4RXnQPKc/s320/Spike+in+the+team+27.06.15+02.jpg" width="320" /></a>However if you cannot run as you want to, live as you want
to or even <b>be</b> as you want to be… if
you feel passionate enough to save a teeny weeny toy then the rainbow bridge is
not calling for you yet. <br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
Silver harnesses will have to wait for Spike, he wants to live with us for as
long as possible and we will ensure that he gets what he wants.<br />
<br />
It is our promise to him, forever and a day…<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-53649528264208777782015-08-31T16:40:00.000+01:002015-08-31T16:40:25.440+01:00When a dream requires divine intervention...<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG2rhQTyDnlZa7tjUFFui8VZOwNgU7R79UCn5emIA7PrJi-dW1rYRpBI34P9JiqvJGVIFKjdx7TzDD1gr0FLKWQoRiHAdCEpf8bOF7BkKhoK1gwoAnqe7FJsf9ZTEq75bGDKZw58dDRo/s1600/IMG_7974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG2rhQTyDnlZa7tjUFFui8VZOwNgU7R79UCn5emIA7PrJi-dW1rYRpBI34P9JiqvJGVIFKjdx7TzDD1gr0FLKWQoRiHAdCEpf8bOF7BkKhoK1gwoAnqe7FJsf9ZTEq75bGDKZw58dDRo/s320/IMG_7974.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Setting challenges is easy. Creating dreams requires a little more work
with lots of emotional attachment and sometimes divine intervention is required. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I like creating dreams. It is something I have done since I was a
child. Dreams have helped me escape from
the reality of life at times and they have helped propel me into action. Dreams inspire me, motivate me and make my
heart and mind soar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Challenges are logical, measurable and generally require
planning in order to be achieved.
Challenges can be simple or difficult but the more difficult ones can
either make you or break you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfTKM871aDVl2FTMgWE7JWn85vitq8XTObHxhkPpeCg_gYsSqkGKzh1q2PcpXhSTEHxv3wNZ53bUI5SdOdZW0VrxGISy_i8Yi8ngB8bVW9A42M4aBSJsAWB5Y-tZUXdg0juBKGpbNXqA/s1600/IMG_2999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfTKM871aDVl2FTMgWE7JWn85vitq8XTObHxhkPpeCg_gYsSqkGKzh1q2PcpXhSTEHxv3wNZ53bUI5SdOdZW0VrxGISy_i8Yi8ngB8bVW9A42M4aBSJsAWB5Y-tZUXdg0juBKGpbNXqA/s320/IMG_2999.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Most challenges are achievable with hard work and
determination. Dreams can be lived, but
some are destined to forever remain a dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You can have one dream or lots of dreams, or no dreams at
all. Some people never dream and only
ever set themselves challenges. There is no right or wrong, it is all about
what works for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I only have one dream just now all other dreams have been
gently wrapped in cotton wool and safely stored in the hippocampus within my mind
for future retrieval. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For now I am
working on challenges. These daily challenges
are what get me up in the morning and continually deny my mind the self-pity
that it craves. Most are simple little challenges
and when I achieve them my little mind demons are temporarily silenced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But sometimes those little mind demons start shouting and it
takes a greater effort to silence them. To
sit and listen to them is not an option.
I did that once before. I
listened to them and believed what they told me. They made me become someone that I do not
want to ever be again. Thankfully I had
a very special guardian angel that helped me kick the butts of those little
demons and in doing so it taught me a very valuable lesson in life. I learned how to manage those little demons and
have never forgotten how important early recognition and action is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6c7brJMnfYX1B6SIXxODnzEFd65kO8UWsogX_o1nisCGLYth4ZzEF2hFFlJdIVtqcvDlcB6fm8a0I4hEbACxstJhOcg8_mDuH9wrFoypdEAoRFc2fNdkJXYbm3dOK1FMbNc7ZCYYs3ro/s1600/IMG_3046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6c7brJMnfYX1B6SIXxODnzEFd65kO8UWsogX_o1nisCGLYth4ZzEF2hFFlJdIVtqcvDlcB6fm8a0I4hEbACxstJhOcg8_mDuH9wrFoypdEAoRFc2fNdkJXYbm3dOK1FMbNc7ZCYYs3ro/s320/IMG_3046.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My action now is to set myself a physical challenge each day
to silence the grumblings. When I could
run it was easy, just pop on my trainers and head out the door. Not being able to run or even walk means that
I have to be a little more creative with my challenges, and more planning is
required.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqlfDoGtmsXuOfF-rStYpIllFEWKlApb9ZGUTLUEbuiPsseHCFZrzQ2bAzTb-xK8taRxlnhi_sD4NxX6szP98hSk3z6KrRnaGnEfwNAlTAG968Wizif-zffZ1FYd2u2-OK9v3QKfM7GM/s1600/IMG_2895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqlfDoGtmsXuOfF-rStYpIllFEWKlApb9ZGUTLUEbuiPsseHCFZrzQ2bAzTb-xK8taRxlnhi_sD4NxX6szP98hSk3z6KrRnaGnEfwNAlTAG968Wizif-zffZ1FYd2u2-OK9v3QKfM7GM/s320/IMG_2895.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Running in rain is fun, select the correct trainers and mud
can be safely negotiated. My wheelchair
does not cope with wet or with mud. Hands slip, wheels spin and forward movement
is a tortuous affair. Crutches are a
little bit easier to manage in the rain, but more than a couple of minutes use
is painful for my entire body and puts excessive strain on my right leg and hands. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have never been a fan of running on tarmac and have always
chosen to run on trails or grass where possible. The scenery is more inspiring and nature
lives all along the trails, in the hedge grows and the fields around. My creative mind comes alive when I run in
the countryside, away from people and man made things. I lose my worries, my fears and self-doubts
and I dream. I create amazing images and
thoughts in my mind all with vibrant colour.
Most of my creations will forever remain locked in my mind, but some
emerge into the real world and become dreams that I chase.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I can only work with my wheelchair on tarmac or very hard
packed surfaces. Places where people
work or drive every day. My exposure to
wildlife is mostly limited to slugs, snails and wasps eating the fallen rotting
apples on one section of track.
Yesterday I did come across a very little shrew, but the shrew was lying
on its back and definitely not sleeping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILbnP0WdaHw_0Z00j367r-BNAQs-4paKSc_h7dRQaGTenKBNT2X6iZNZM1lUWQ0DX5-KbbtgpjT3mX-KtnZkbRPQm18nckg5V8UO_BcQk4Q-zRddAP3MyLC06j7AeFMYFd5Mgz0o1OKo/s1600/IMG_7747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILbnP0WdaHw_0Z00j367r-BNAQs-4paKSc_h7dRQaGTenKBNT2X6iZNZM1lUWQ0DX5-KbbtgpjT3mX-KtnZkbRPQm18nckg5V8UO_BcQk4Q-zRddAP3MyLC06j7AeFMYFd5Mgz0o1OKo/s320/IMG_7747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am enjoying my daily wheelchair challenges. From learning how to control it to getting
better at powering it, each day has taught me something. I have devised a little training plan and it
is very rewarding to see and feel the improvements. On day one I could only manage 20 minutes
effort and had to stop several times.
Yesterday as part of a 95 minute adventure I managed to negotiate a
1.4km continuous ascent with only two little stops. Both times I got really stroppy because the
chair was pulling badly to one side as a result of a very awkward road camber. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn7uwfp48zIDFo6G2Ii-U_SAQPmAqWaFHJMAqJA3On26H6kPH0c9VFw9I-6KqVjaQ-z55dNhVPcgQBXlJfBV4OWQ_LfGGzGyGtGrAuDLdnVI7iUzQf9TTiXr9epgoKn1DAjRNl4L-sbA/s1600/IMG_2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn7uwfp48zIDFo6G2Ii-U_SAQPmAqWaFHJMAqJA3On26H6kPH0c9VFw9I-6KqVjaQ-z55dNhVPcgQBXlJfBV4OWQ_LfGGzGyGtGrAuDLdnVI7iUzQf9TTiXr9epgoKn1DAjRNl4L-sbA/s320/IMG_2908.JPG" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have become more respectful of those that spend long times
in a wheelchair. Prior to my experience
I had never imagined how difficult it is to power and control a wheelchair. I have absolutely no idea how the sporting elite
wheelchair users can cover the distances that they do and in the times that
they do it. I struggle to move faster
than slow walking pace on a relatively flat paved or tarmac surface.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Having a wheelchair has given me mobility and freedom that I
do not have with crutches, especially in the house. I can prepare dinner, safely transport items
around even prepare and manage husky dinners for four!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Challenges are good and rewarding when
achieved. But I cannot forget that one dream
that I feel and breathe each every day.
I have known for over a decade that the day would one day come when I
would no longer be able to run. But I don’t
want it to be now I am not ready. I have
too many dreams and that I want to live.</span></span><br />
(<i>all photos thanks to Ian J Berry who helps me live my dreams and achieve my challenges</i>)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-5377938897505779212015-08-23T14:40:00.002+01:002015-08-23T14:40:31.489+01:00The Novice Guide to a temporary life on one leg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I3k-QPI0jfxoru9SWbGeQl-L85FNHWF0DJ_PE3CwLsf16kdxmnFg8XqUd2TTTDUlUKGNaRGK_Tb_U13OdSodDkwgHeytPOk2lOmFOpD275P962D8ZS3j7uw_V8XGIJIUgwXnL_hYbzk/s1600/11930841_10205753680935823_6434072589503195476_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I3k-QPI0jfxoru9SWbGeQl-L85FNHWF0DJ_PE3CwLsf16kdxmnFg8XqUd2TTTDUlUKGNaRGK_Tb_U13OdSodDkwgHeytPOk2lOmFOpD275P962D8ZS3j7uw_V8XGIJIUgwXnL_hYbzk/s320/11930841_10205753680935823_6434072589503195476_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of us have experience of walking or running with some
sort of restricted capability of our lower limbs. Whether the restriction is as a result of pain
management from a minor or serious injury, the result is either limping or
adapted movement to manage pain and protect the perceived weakness in the affected
limb. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am very experienced in limping. It is something I have done to varying degrees
since I was thirteen years old. My body
has coped very well with the physical challenges I have imposed on it, but as I
get older the over compensation injuries get worse. From hip to knee to foot, they have all
suffered over the years in my never ending self-discovery quest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without the help of an amazing physiotherapist and a genius orthopaedic
surgeon I probably would have been forced to stop running a long time ago. Physical pain gets harder to manage as I get
older and my body takes longer to recover. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, when limping is not an option and you find yourself
with very strict instructions not to put any weight on one foot for a prolonged
period of time, normal life becomes very difficult.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOua9m9Ut4UKFfwBTX3DlTBw795FzmYdnpeslZXXiJIYzRy6PmNZnETP7mNqmLYHVdrDcQ2UFRYLdDjn80ptZRLLjNrXDFECknCYNawjz3KUVqiA9Bw5xpHQNurbNgxJhz29m4-211hR4/s1600/11856273_10205732228479525_1267080910448885929_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOua9m9Ut4UKFfwBTX3DlTBw795FzmYdnpeslZXXiJIYzRy6PmNZnETP7mNqmLYHVdrDcQ2UFRYLdDjn80ptZRLLjNrXDFECknCYNawjz3KUVqiA9Bw5xpHQNurbNgxJhz29m4-211hR4/s320/11856273_10205732228479525_1267080910448885929_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, adapting to change and perceived problems in a
positive way is one way I believe that we can evolve into greater beings. Seize opportunities when we can and have some
fun along the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some of my top tips to a temporary life on one leg:
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-stretch: normal;"> </span></b><b>If you can, hire or buy a second-hand
wheelchair<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
A wheelchair allows the “good” leg to rest and
if you get a self-propelled one you can achieve a great upper body workout. Having a wheelchair in the house also allows
you to prepare and cook dinner and also to safely transport a cup of coffee (or
beer) from one room to the next. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
We found a fabulous local mobility shop
with an extremely helpful owner. He allowed
us to have a nearly new wheelchair for a cheaper than hire price. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Wear gloves when using a wheelchair or
crutches for longer than 15 minutes.</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Padded fingerless fitness gloves are best
for crutches and padded gloves with full thumbs for wheelchair use. I learned the hard way and got myself a
couple of huge blisters on my thumbs when I used the fitness gloves without
thumbs for first wheelchair adventure.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Do not negotiate stairs on crutches after a
few beers.</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
I probably don’t need to explain this
one! All I will say is that no further
physical injury has been sustained in the learning of this lesson. Only my pride was hurt. Please also refer to number 9 for guidance on
how best to manage this situation….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Put padded tape on the handles of your
crutches.</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Good quality bike handle bar tape is the best. I applied it to my crutches after my last
operation 5 years ago and it is still going strong.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Teach
yourself balancing tricks and body awareness using crutches</b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PLhIkzDaeZ-b4FLioBddac-F1J3YVqlt-Hzij_h_8i3snC0MhwJMktqa46JkKMwHkhz7HfjwL9yS-xJd7V_KSJkTR3iIOX0du8sekbNFLfXCVVopVe91Hj7TJ5eTaoB6eZYQP908e6A/s1600/11866325_1013646385333283_207880072774912891_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PLhIkzDaeZ-b4FLioBddac-F1J3YVqlt-Hzij_h_8i3snC0MhwJMktqa46JkKMwHkhz7HfjwL9yS-xJd7V_KSJkTR3iIOX0du8sekbNFLfXCVVopVe91Hj7TJ5eTaoB6eZYQP908e6A/s320/11866325_1013646385333283_207880072774912891_n.jpg" width="176" /></a>Someone suggested that I tried break
dancing on my crutches and although they were only joking it did get me
thinking…. Since then I have spent time
playing my crutches to see how the position of my body affects my stability. I started by trying to lift both feet off the
ground and remain motionless for as long as possible. When I first tried it I managed less than one
second. Yesterday I managed nearly 5
seconds. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Limit your hopping.</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Hopping can potentially propel the body forward
very quickly. I know this as I have been
practising, BUT it does puts huge strain on the body and risks injury. It also makes you look like a toadstool as
the muscle development on the working leg and bum/ hip area gets greater and
the bad leg gets weaker…<br />
Today I hopped more than I should have in order to avoid the strain that the
crutches were placing on my hands. The
result is that my whole body is aching, from neck to toe. Please avoid being a silly billy like me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Set yourself challenges SMART Objectives</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
By SMART I mean Simple Measurable and
Realistic Timescales. For example a sub4
minute mile in a wheelchair on a mostly uphill grass course is probably only
achievable by a Paralympian. Sub 30 minutes
is possible for me. The challenge of working
towards achieving the objective gives the opportunity to devise a plan based on
my running and fitness experience and it is fun learning new stuff like how to
keep a wheelchair on a straight line when the camber is on your stronger side. And once I crack the Sub 30 I will give
myself a little pat on the back and then go for Sub 20…..</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Use your bum and one crutch to open doors.</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Sometimes people help a person on crutches
by opening doors, but mostly they don’t and anyway there will be many occasions
when no one else is around and you need to get into a room with a door. Best technique for doors opening away from
you is to use your butt to open it and then squeeze through the gap. Outward opening doors should be approached with
great caution and when you do open it, wedge the crutch against the bottom of
the door, but please take care that the rubber bit does not catch on the door
and make you lose your balance. If it
does, whatever you do, do not allow the protected foot to hit the ground. Sacrifice your knees if you need to. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjhY-wFkcM-eZ7pMajqLkfnA1kc1P0MqbiVMyXNXwo3k57ScYaea5lUSd5o3QsPztckE6U6Jhd4DuUcQ_Nm_XQ2NbitkttMuB4HOAHSraCRgURdsKOHtjslcsRKgnHhdqbnkwE-_Zb-o/s1600/polka+dot+boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjhY-wFkcM-eZ7pMajqLkfnA1kc1P0MqbiVMyXNXwo3k57ScYaea5lUSd5o3QsPztckE6U6Jhd4DuUcQ_Nm_XQ2NbitkttMuB4HOAHSraCRgURdsKOHtjslcsRKgnHhdqbnkwE-_Zb-o/s320/polka+dot+boots.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Do not crawl or get in/out of the batch without
knee pads and shin guards.</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
My leg and knee currently resembled the
legs of a polka dot pony. Baths, wooden
floors and stairs, and negotiating many other obstructions while kneeling or
crawling has resulted in a rather large number of little bruises on my left leg
and knee. Full protection horse travel
boots are my recommendation for this</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Always remember others.</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the past two weeks there have been several
occasions when I have nearly thrown all my toys out of the pram. I get very frustrated at my temporary
disablement and I erupt in an emotional mess.
But then I remember the amazing people out there that are forever
disabled. They raise their game and put
us to shame with their heroic efforts each and every day. And I also remember those that help me every
day and whom without their help I would not be able to manage.</div>
<br />
(<i><b>all images courtesy of Ian J Berry and bloomingponies.co.uk</b></i>)<br />
<br />
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-71982996059810853012015-08-14T18:29:00.003+01:002015-08-14T18:29:30.328+01:0010 days of rest and still smiling<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTIVihmYJG81zUUvNt-5DptaevisxrVdY6nv3EoyS3GaGfn4Y0PNV2WjW3zWYkQyr4qhZgpw0qIMNT26xKq8Qx6JCCQCjwfBHAWX2TR4yyCHnW53mArfbwZ-W_NWTTI78UNBQn__fzXs/s1600/11411733_988224294542159_523176117916338464_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTIVihmYJG81zUUvNt-5DptaevisxrVdY6nv3EoyS3GaGfn4Y0PNV2WjW3zWYkQyr4qhZgpw0qIMNT26xKq8Qx6JCCQCjwfBHAWX2TR4yyCHnW53mArfbwZ-W_NWTTI78UNBQn__fzXs/s320/11411733_988224294542159_523176117916338464_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is now 10 day since I last ran. For someone that normally runs at least once
per day this has been very difficult.
Yes, I know all the train hard and recover philosophies and do abide by
them, but my rest/ recovery days normally involve a very gentle jog or
two. I love to run, love the freedom
that it gives me and the experiences that I have when I run. I love the countryside and all its
inhabitants, especially the ones that one meets during dawn runs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I normally run with Siberian Huskies, the
epitome of endurance athletes who care not about medals or prizes or whether
they are fat or not. They run because they
love to run, just like me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ten days ago I had surgery on my ankle and I am neither able,
nor allowed to run. I agreed to the operation
because the daily pain had become too much to manage. Hobbling every day was becoming troublesome
and I needed to plan for the future.
This plan involved corrective action to halt deterioration of my ankle
joint and also to correct all the over compensation injuries that I have
experienced as a result of my body’s adaptation to 20 odd years of managing a
chronic weakness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtxjrThbtw5fNtSvzmw32_e1Sn0GoccAuagQmMQVN2pRilLdh9fnoYnfhCM1A3UCi-1z8liAMG99ISNfLFLgpdxi83vUorJsURNHRP5KLa-tjoNU6QvNgCPxRZYTaAwP5DD1XZLSmN8E/s1600/20130622_Wesley_Butstraen_94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtxjrThbtw5fNtSvzmw32_e1Sn0GoccAuagQmMQVN2pRilLdh9fnoYnfhCM1A3UCi-1z8liAMG99ISNfLFLgpdxi83vUorJsURNHRP5KLa-tjoNU6QvNgCPxRZYTaAwP5DD1XZLSmN8E/s320/20130622_Wesley_Butstraen_94.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My ankle was very badly damaged when I was 13 years
old. Due to an incorrect diagnosis it
was not treated properly at the time and it was not until many years later that
the full extent of the damage and subsequent deterioration within the joint was
known. In summary I smashed the joint
and cut of the blood supply within the talus bone. Without blood and all that it carries, the
body cannot regenerate and cannot repair itself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugzLOORmAElaBy8U-sU-lNgZLV-5t6HDWCnbZFnw4FPw-hlQ-pb4T1dQoW2iDza_2Pn8X5snbWjFpkREYUvKxLwdCR8oNTFyEaeCAwbzCa5ULPpQvNfdVEn8zOgNldIx4xcnOYX5b1rQ/s1600/739932_452560204799066_712563799_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugzLOORmAElaBy8U-sU-lNgZLV-5t6HDWCnbZFnw4FPw-hlQ-pb4T1dQoW2iDza_2Pn8X5snbWjFpkREYUvKxLwdCR8oNTFyEaeCAwbzCa5ULPpQvNfdVEn8zOgNldIx4xcnOYX5b1rQ/s320/739932_452560204799066_712563799_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>But such is life. With
a damaged joint I have led a very privileged life. I have run thousands of miles on this
deformed ankle, run for my country and represented Great Britain. I have run 100 miles in one go and run a mile
in 4 minutes and 13 seconds with assistance from my awesome Siberian Huskies
team. All this has been possible thanks
to the support of the people that I love and an inspirational Orthopaedic Surgeon. They helped me believe in myself and in
return I believed in me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here I am, ten days into an enforced rest that I agreed
to. The operation involved debridement
and micro-fracturing, which in simple terms means drilling into the bone to
make it bleed, fill the crater within, the blood helps repair the bone and create
fibrocartilage, which although it is not as good as original hyaline cartilage
it does provide a greater improved function for the affected joint. A bit like a volcanic eruption and then the
magma settles. You cannot stand on the
magma until it cools as it will crack and hurt!
So I cannot weight bear on my ankle at all for four weeks and then for
2-3 months I can only walk on it with the aid of cast/ boot and crutches. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first week post operation was about pain management and
acceptance of my physical limitations.
Acceptance that I am temporarily disabled and need help, I cannot manage
on my own. That bit has been the
hardest. I am fiercely independent and I
find it hard to ask for help. Thankfully
Ian is the most amazing and supportive partner and is always there when I need
help. Pre operation once of my greatest
concerns was how the dogs would cope with the situation. Ian does run, but preferably not pre-dawn and
not off road, two essential requirements when running with Siberian
Huskies. I would be exaggerating if I
said Ian now leaps out of bed every morning and dashes out the door with a
smile upon his face! But he has run with
the dogs most days and they are as content as I have ever seen them. They are very happy with the fact that I am
at home more and appear to understand my situation. They are very respectful every time I move and
have become even more affectionate than ever, especially the boss dude who is
almost always by my side, wherever I am.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jmVuD5mkPCAOh-_BIqQWCrCWK0gBPOvv8LGH4VDSvnj6XcotNAHTC__MCCnWvytLPDiIfrdFSRS0BB4vYFAaU2-ldqDEG4NKps2S1Qp6tBfPs19DzrLUf24D-srP6_fGCeeaYgUdx8o/s1600/38114_1457234465419_1008157_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jmVuD5mkPCAOh-_BIqQWCrCWK0gBPOvv8LGH4VDSvnj6XcotNAHTC__MCCnWvytLPDiIfrdFSRS0BB4vYFAaU2-ldqDEG4NKps2S1Qp6tBfPs19DzrLUf24D-srP6_fGCeeaYgUdx8o/s320/38114_1457234465419_1008157_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>I work for an amazing company that have been very supportive
and I have managed to do a little work post op - thankfully my Doctor was very obliging
regarding the official H&S stuff when I explained my desire to continue
working in my “restricted” and post op condition. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how am I coping with the non-running bit? I set myself some physical challenges each
day and try to relate them to running. I
try to go further every day on my crutches and in my wheel chair. Push myself to the point beyond where I went
the day before. Self-propelling a wheel
chair and using crutches is hard, very hard.
It hurts muscles I have not used in years and muscles that one never
uses when running. I am so weak in the
upper body that I am currently nowhere near a cardio vascular work out
yet. But when I get frustrated about
this aspect I remember the nurse that spoke to me when I was in the recovery
room following my recovery. My resting
heart rate was 35, so I guess I am not unfit, just under prepared <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
But I have learned one thing in the past ten days that has
saddened me. Life as a disabled person
is tougher that I could have ever imagined.
From the physical restrictions of pavements and shops to the attitudes
of strangers when one is out and about.
I guess it is ignorance rather than intentional rude behaviour, but it
is hard not to be reduced to tears by it.
When did humans get so engrossed in their own worlds that we neglected
to consider the implications of our actions on others? I implicate myself in this question because I
am sure that I have in the past been as guilty as the next person. Although I personally would never allow one
of our dogs to jump up at a person on crutches, throwing them off balance, and
consider it okay. <br />
<br />
Another thing that I have learned, or rather been reminded of in this past week
or so…. Beer is a more effective pain reliever than codeine. For two days I was crippled with stomach pain
taking the conventional drugs, when I reverted to my favourite beer, the pain
disappeared and inspirational thoughts came forth…. <br />
<br />
Oh yes, I may be unable to run just now, but I can still dream and dreams are
what propel us forward….<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-33059762409774931132015-08-09T17:18:00.000+01:002015-08-09T17:18:00.661+01:00I got it wrong....<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmac6jq-AVDZ0_95AWszOG4T6KHWjKQfLd2vaO_RRA9pEYCIHKQLqq4osimkWG85MfhD34gYEeVr0pub7sorazpkn5oupl2au0nMH9t5B5m2K0D9az-OmvEAzC_XeSHapsVdvFy52hGc/s1600/336406_3783534421464_738243752_o+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmac6jq-AVDZ0_95AWszOG4T6KHWjKQfLd2vaO_RRA9pEYCIHKQLqq4osimkWG85MfhD34gYEeVr0pub7sorazpkn5oupl2au0nMH9t5B5m2K0D9az-OmvEAzC_XeSHapsVdvFy52hGc/s320/336406_3783534421464_738243752_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Prior to my recent ankle operation I thought a lot about how my temporary
disability would affect our four dogs, three Siberian Huskies and one Special
Husky. The dogs that I either run or
walk each and every day, both in the morning and in the evening, sometimes in
between... I was not worried about their
exercise needs being met as I knew that Ian would help with that. I just wondered how they would cope with the
sudden and dramatic change to their lifestyle.
I have been surprised with what I have seen so far….</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uJrueTSapOIJkldUyUElptVZ6UjeuGWoNXl4eCwOg_JOOOVo3bctDd7tTueCugJjLmz2IDKzr3wluMXq83bZYrVCmMtPCMujz1t80GPIhERreI-Lmn72kGM8beaCPkQfBPQqCsxeP7w/s1600/468678_335409719847449_739987315_o+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uJrueTSapOIJkldUyUElptVZ6UjeuGWoNXl4eCwOg_JOOOVo3bctDd7tTueCugJjLmz2IDKzr3wluMXq83bZYrVCmMtPCMujz1t80GPIhERreI-Lmn72kGM8beaCPkQfBPQqCsxeP7w/s320/468678_335409719847449_739987315_o+%25282%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a>The one we call “Superbrat”,” boss dog” and “little s**t” has
been the biggest surprise. The dog that
screams at the door pre 5am, demanding to go running, likes to run at
supersonic speed and has the sort of attitude that most people would consider “arrogant”
has hardly left my side. He watches my
every move and when I get up, so does he.
He sleeps on my good foot and follows me upstairs every time I struggle upstairs
on crutches. When not sleeping on my
foot he comes to check up on me, many times a day. Sometimes he just walks up to me, places his
head on my lap and them walks away again.
His brother does the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlV-5UohnNWCskshpQc4OpJoUesjTs5fuhyphenhyphen7V9EL47Jfc0ECREqu2YxoTuRQk4eBf_TZy3HI3kRe0jsV5DaEowbf1mQCd3daTioRybSEmzw1fScDREMuDQBgKDBpCWlPjcy7M5olBNAH0/s1600/614782_451098011611952_246709147_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlV-5UohnNWCskshpQc4OpJoUesjTs5fuhyphenhyphen7V9EL47Jfc0ECREqu2YxoTuRQk4eBf_TZy3HI3kRe0jsV5DaEowbf1mQCd3daTioRybSEmzw1fScDREMuDQBgKDBpCWlPjcy7M5olBNAH0/s320/614782_451098011611952_246709147_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>His brother is a very nervous dog and while lying in the
house will not allow anyone to step over him.
He leaps up and moves away. Yet
when I try to manoeuvre around him on crutches or wheelchair assisted he
remains where he is, but tucks his feet out the way. He hates being brushed and yet this week he
has patiently stood or lie on the ground as I brushed him from a wheelchair.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our eldest dog that struggles every day with breathing and
disorientation has appeared to be very quiet and relaxed. On such a hot day like today I feared he
would be huffing and puffing all day long, but no, he was just slept in either
the living room or kitchen with the odd little potter up to me to say hello. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All three Siberian Huskies appear to have accepted the
change and are very accommodating in managing their behaviour around me. I have known these guys since the day they
were born. I guess they know me well and
the trust and respect that I have given them is now being repaid in full.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JGtcw3SH7lfUgFCcJHcA0XA9dgvdHTBgLmJeYZi6sEM5FAWx1bFjirzMVv1QW7X-MiLucymETy-SbMr13Uscq5a-Vt1vNUaAbSUoFu_au55r8I6VRq_lL7isuDRcxJjLlS_YMeL8n0k/s1600/20150311_193947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JGtcw3SH7lfUgFCcJHcA0XA9dgvdHTBgLmJeYZi6sEM5FAWx1bFjirzMVv1QW7X-MiLucymETy-SbMr13Uscq5a-Vt1vNUaAbSUoFu_au55r8I6VRq_lL7isuDRcxJjLlS_YMeL8n0k/s320/20150311_193947.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, Spike is the one that I worry about. We know that he does not cope well with change. He likes routine and patterns, each and every
day. Feed him in a different spot and he
will not eat. Take him on a different
route and he becomes fearful, holding back until his confidence is given a
boost by his human companion. Spike has
experienced pain, trauma and surgery. He
has endured long rest periods and exercise restrictions that I would not
enforce upon my worst enemy. For some
reason I thought that he would be the one that understood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I was wrong. I
need to keep reassuring him. Cuddles and
hugs help, but still he jumps at every opportunity – when I try to go past one
crutches or in my chair. He looks at me
with a fearful expression on his face.
He does not understand and it scares him. The others trust and respect me and know that
whatever I do they will be okay, they have nothing to fear. Spike has never known this level of trust and
confidence and I feel very saddened about that fact. I want to alleviate his fears and let him
know that it is okay, he has nothing to worry about, but cannot because the connection
that he and I have does not give that to him.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that is okay, I can give him some extra hugs and try to
explain to him how life is different now and it is okay. One day soon we will run together, just like we used to :-)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br />
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-50909635073469238642015-06-14T16:35:00.000+01:002015-06-14T16:36:24.743+01:00His name is Spike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1msLusod474yCvGqVswVIKtJ0TBMhVpnGDA7rUnnxEHXBx_xzTyCvPP9Na6Nwo7l3wAhpxvMqDpTXuBQ4ilPcJ6iG774IuXQ9wIGGAN-knB93lQRJNcxXJyyKRlhXa9Xcsxk2B97TFMI/s1600/Race+for+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1msLusod474yCvGqVswVIKtJ0TBMhVpnGDA7rUnnxEHXBx_xzTyCvPP9Na6Nwo7l3wAhpxvMqDpTXuBQ4ilPcJ6iG774IuXQ9wIGGAN-knB93lQRJNcxXJyyKRlhXa9Xcsxk2B97TFMI/s320/Race+for+Life.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This week someone approached me when I was out with Spike, pointed at him and said “what
is that”?<br />
<br />
Their words hit me harder than
if someone had physically punched me in the belly. My insides reacted very strongly as my mind
tried to process and understand the question and the fact that they referred to
Spike as a “that”.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJt7eJNEBNw3IfaCpS91loN7gQ_N_zFGJubI8hu35HANYYLJ1zSvWx1S9BWC5kKzJw_bdMucyLEt4gsfyxGopPhPmWUyx0Q4vhtmn-T8_3gy9AiC_LBb_Sq_-H49kSDP97-DIsqxeh9s/s1600/DSCN0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJt7eJNEBNw3IfaCpS91loN7gQ_N_zFGJubI8hu35HANYYLJ1zSvWx1S9BWC5kKzJw_bdMucyLEt4gsfyxGopPhPmWUyx0Q4vhtmn-T8_3gy9AiC_LBb_Sq_-H49kSDP97-DIsqxeh9s/s320/DSCN0449.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frog Prince kissing?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Were they enquiring about his genetic make-up or were they so
entranced with his aura that they wanted to know what more about the being that
stood before them?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I processed the question in my mind I thought about our
life with Spike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike is like no other dog I have ever known or shared my
life with. He frustrates me, annoys me
and yet he continues to inspire every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike is a product of selfish humans, a puppy born of
questionable parentage and almost definitely arrived in this world with no
forethought to his future. We will never
know what became of his brothers and sisters or his mum. I doubt they still live amongst us but in my
mind they watch Spike from above and share his experiences as if they were their
own with little smiles upon their faces. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8hcgRRzQzHs5Xq-DdBmfSlQD9fUeHgjXra1XfEIzdc-DJ4RaCy6xyTBE8nMNfyECy94R7AXbrY2ymv993oVRwxG4EjXZ1v4qTO-3QWJs3PYyrl-WiOUTFVS7dF8ds3SR8ZCi_neFPkE/s1600/Lap+dog+13.05.2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8hcgRRzQzHs5Xq-DdBmfSlQD9fUeHgjXra1XfEIzdc-DJ4RaCy6xyTBE8nMNfyECy94R7AXbrY2ymv993oVRwxG4EjXZ1v4qTO-3QWJs3PYyrl-WiOUTFVS7dF8ds3SR8ZCi_neFPkE/s320/Lap+dog+13.05.2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spike the lap dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would love to say that Spike is a very generous and kind
hearted dude and that he thinks of his brothers and sisters and his mum every
day, dreaming that one day they will meet again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Spike is a dog, he does not think like a human, he
thinks like a dog and lives life like a dog.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, he may well be “just a dog”, but he is a very
special dog with phenomenal self-survival skills and an attitude to life that
is inspirational.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of Spike’s joints are deformed, they don’t fit together
properly. He has had the best medical
care and we know the full facts from the CT scans and x-rays. But Spike defies medical logic and refuses to
follow conventional veterinary advice.
He is Spike, and he will jump and run and have fun because he wants to
and because he can.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every day we question whether he should run or not, we worry
about his well-being and the deterioration within his joints. He sticks his two little toes up at us and
tells us he will run. He is Spike and he
knows best about what he wants.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8d6JQxrj5ldRZ5lielwTNpi8TS3rY4Z37CLg1-AFXxEBy3-wO1nKVyTvNnmnTSh111f7r3zDWFqAp_pB1QQccTHUNAtFd0Fedyx7kvfcRmTlJUSJEOQAPexOWZXgYas4-vf0KFGm0FI/s1600/Managa+Spike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8d6JQxrj5ldRZ5lielwTNpi8TS3rY4Z37CLg1-AFXxEBy3-wO1nKVyTvNnmnTSh111f7r3zDWFqAp_pB1QQccTHUNAtFd0Fedyx7kvfcRmTlJUSJEOQAPexOWZXgYas4-vf0KFGm0FI/s320/Managa+Spike.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manga Spike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He has very large ears and a rather unusual shape of head. His lower jaw protrudes in the way that a bull
dogs does and his teeth have big spaces between them. His paws are massive and when not running he
stands on tip toes to ease the pressure on his elbows. He also stands on three legs, not happy to
fully weight bear on the hind leg that was operated on. Fully recovered from the TPLO surgery it is degrading HD and subluxation in his left hip joint that causes him discomfort. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Spike shouts at things he finds exciting: a bird high above;
a cow that nonchalantly chews the cud; water from a hosepipe; an off lead dog
to the side of the path. To him these things
are all fun and he wants everyone to know. To us he is being naughty and we feel the need
to apologise to fellow villagers for his rude behaviour. He is Spike and he is expressing his feelings
to anyone that will listen!<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He refuses to come to us when we call. Why should he, his approach to life is far
more exciting than ours. We try to stop
him having fun. He is Spike and he will
do whatever he wants because life is all about having fun. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj7mrtHZnmmjg2jsoT-6fXfRZRkuGAQPx4570VPsajdIZofgwwxLAzsZN2Sw_fXY1ZXMMnQwlkTXBr6lAjKxbodpZ8AVy16p7eK-mUCHSK0XIbTLVDaaOz7hVTCmU6Qgd_MwSw_HHGCA/s1600/11289498_357538857783158_161043298132082367_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj7mrtHZnmmjg2jsoT-6fXfRZRkuGAQPx4570VPsajdIZofgwwxLAzsZN2Sw_fXY1ZXMMnQwlkTXBr6lAjKxbodpZ8AVy16p7eK-mUCHSK0XIbTLVDaaOz7hVTCmU6Qgd_MwSw_HHGCA/s320/11289498_357538857783158_161043298132082367_o.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He does not want to eat venison, lamb or game. He would much prefer to eat bananas, cottage
cheese, porridge and potato. He is Spike
and mush apparently is best!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
He is obsessed with horses, I understand that one, but I
would rather kiss their noses rather than nip them!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He has the most amazing blue eyes and they are a doorway
into his mood. When he is happy his eyes
shine and he smiles, when he is sad or in pain they darken. He has a fabulous cheeky little grin, which
is best demonstrated when he is intentionally trying to evoke a reaction from
me! His biggest smiles can be seen when he runs alongside our Siberian Huskies,
when he is truly part of the team.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIowSk0dydFVIjpBUFeFP_88FPOL9peQorCQlBUurbrZzcyvEhQPvB4w7gY-1fzdR_7sEjmgD2jDxbJ_7olXfQQYDqtrHHhG-v62JRA0TDC6QxJ5fh1LvRm8Kx5a2ApfcB0wldxoTfG4/s1600/11390318_355033744700336_8119644960119221588_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIowSk0dydFVIjpBUFeFP_88FPOL9peQorCQlBUurbrZzcyvEhQPvB4w7gY-1fzdR_7sEjmgD2jDxbJ_7olXfQQYDqtrHHhG-v62JRA0TDC6QxJ5fh1LvRm8Kx5a2ApfcB0wldxoTfG4/s320/11390318_355033744700336_8119644960119221588_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>Spike is a very sweet natured dog, but he does have very
strong survival instincts. When I and
Ian are with him he never shows any aggression, he knows and trusts us to
protect or help him. The last two times
we had to leave him at a veterinary surgery he turned into a furry velociraptor. One time his special Vet friend helped him and
the other time he had to be heavily sedated before he could be safely handled. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike also has many quirky ways. He will stop on a path if
vegetation has overgrown or a twig has fallen on it. He waits for us to move the obstruction or
follow us if we walk though or over. If
he sees a cat on a drive one day, from that point forth he is absolutely
convinced that it will be there every time.
He throws strops when you ask him to walk away from the cows or the pigs
before he is ready to say goodbye. He finds
it hard to adapt if we move items in the house or change something and shows
visible evidence of stress. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKezvgcmZhjGBcylYtR_G-T1lCmwqSCDWOFXACO1Y42PSHm0v9uYOhfTRFJYY-ua-a_uzO3a2ARmtxg0eVW0weYXoZ4kQnXtaZ4Vj32-D4VyVzW4AjBPcZubwWrg7tC0qpKo9TfOPj2U/s1600/10484147_10202827429661370_3693970643020585708_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKezvgcmZhjGBcylYtR_G-T1lCmwqSCDWOFXACO1Y42PSHm0v9uYOhfTRFJYY-ua-a_uzO3a2ARmtxg0eVW0weYXoZ4kQnXtaZ4Vj32-D4VyVzW4AjBPcZubwWrg7tC0qpKo9TfOPj2U/s320/10484147_10202827429661370_3693970643020585708_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spike running in the team</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike is very special in so many ways. I don’t know what and who made him, but I don’t need to understand how special he is. As
I type this I acknowledge that Spike has just broken one of our well establishes
house rules and now lies on the sofa beside me...
<br />
<br />
He stayed for all of one minute before the boss dog of the house reminded
him of house rules. Spike may well be
Spike but when it comes to talking dog he understands and respects the other dogs in the
house. The boss dog of the house is his
hero and thankfully his hero knows this and chooses to helps us humans by reinforcing the rules in the way he best understands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how did I respond to the person that asked me the
question that provoked a thousand thoughts? I smiled and said....<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“His name is Spike and he is our very special husky”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
(<i>all images taken by Ian J Berry and me</i>)The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-47711748624168663282015-04-19T18:43:00.002+01:002015-04-19T18:43:46.749+01:00The Welsh Beer Mile<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhaxa9socisAc5kNlSGU2TJyn21ER1-LCiSCz7FEs8J7ieKEsVjtc_9NpWv8zvrNNTc_beF0QeCRAfQWfT3slQmBAIVgFfWf_IE2cMZm-W6I42yWKqVwjxwnxvXOK_PiTQbxVcjT609c/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhaxa9socisAc5kNlSGU2TJyn21ER1-LCiSCz7FEs8J7ieKEsVjtc_9NpWv8zvrNNTc_beF0QeCRAfQWfT3slQmBAIVgFfWf_IE2cMZm-W6I42yWKqVwjxwnxvXOK_PiTQbxVcjT609c/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The concept of a <a href="http://www.beermile.com/">Beer
Mile</a> is pretty straightforward.
Drink beer and run one mile as fast as you can. If you fall over or “lose your load” you are
penalised, well strictly speaking the falling over part will be a self-induced
penalty, while “losing” beer means that you need to drink another as the clock
ticks.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you enjoy beer and running, what’s not to like? Having now run my own Beer Mile, I can answer
that one quite bluntly…. All of it! But it is an experience like no other…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYs1392OhJTx4hJyqWSWQo9-n9Tez04-Fx1VbPX7ho86mdIkZwHoYAeBb-YgI3ry-gK5HQtJmXnIV4vCu_M3pDynIyftBHvEyzgMmsaXDmTqp1mFI7syv4jU98lsv62ItW9cYhDmfUes/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYs1392OhJTx4hJyqWSWQo9-n9Tez04-Fx1VbPX7ho86mdIkZwHoYAeBb-YgI3ry-gK5HQtJmXnIV4vCu_M3pDynIyftBHvEyzgMmsaXDmTqp1mFI7syv4jU98lsv62ItW9cYhDmfUes/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>There are <a href="http://www.beermile.com/rules">rules</a>
for running an official Beer Mile. It
should be run over a measured distance and four beers must be consumed: at the
start; the quarter mile point, half mile point and finally the three-quarter
mile point. All your Beer Mile questions
can be answered <a href="http://www.beermile.com/faq.beer">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The male Beer Mile world record is 4:57 and the female
equivalent is 6:17. Not sure if there is
a dog assisted record and if there is, would the dogs have to drink beer too?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOpa_xPd-fYw4P3crmkV-RaBJxDDIZY95NpGoSWoASQ_WwX4MHZtDkxq4yggEWcoPvapvNqXChhlAqcQ6AD-LW8ABofzfnQW8c_25Eg0WkuoSySt4hP1CHaw1llbYDGaRGJkaa_aX6Fc/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOpa_xPd-fYw4P3crmkV-RaBJxDDIZY95NpGoSWoASQ_WwX4MHZtDkxq4yggEWcoPvapvNqXChhlAqcQ6AD-LW8ABofzfnQW8c_25Eg0WkuoSySt4hP1CHaw1llbYDGaRGJkaa_aX6Fc/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>I have wanted to try a Beer Mile for a while and a family
visit to North Wales for fun, beer and inspirational speed training sessions on
the beach provided the perfect opportunity for my first ever attempt.<br />
<br />
With the help of our friends at <a href="http://www.gallt-y-glyn.co.uk/">Gallt-y-Glyn</a>
we headed to Dinas (near Caernarfon) with beer, glasses and a determination to
give it a go…<br />
<br />
We arrived at our destination at high tide, which was a blessing in disguise as
my recent running with dog on beaches pace has been around 4:30 minute mile
pace and run with such effort that I feel sick without the inclusion of
beer! So a makeshift route was soon
created. It consisted of four laps on
grass and track on the sea-side. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHDdfPHBM3-6Y-wujq8aANtwb0d-XvyZGQqEg9rIG0gTeTmM2iQIJxqN1DlGffJiGhSypzynuBzwWPD9VXN-lXHBhOHi6FPisHn1HYF72vn7XoNizl2qTtf2SZLcXGbMIz1ligjsjS8M/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHDdfPHBM3-6Y-wujq8aANtwb0d-XvyZGQqEg9rIG0gTeTmM2iQIJxqN1DlGffJiGhSypzynuBzwWPD9VXN-lXHBhOHi6FPisHn1HYF72vn7XoNizl2qTtf2SZLcXGbMIz1ligjsjS8M/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJu7PHDGnYyA-DDlXeJB3ZSM_yRz4CcZY4n5G7qrgxpTDA1Ns84MX_ytYA4F1p46WgZ1co3_KsnT2nyanARPgq8x2jJ_PTzkL8lnSJpuABNSTHoTnahgUl7uBONQ62tscw_r1twSlhgFY/s1600/IMG_0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJu7PHDGnYyA-DDlXeJB3ZSM_yRz4CcZY4n5G7qrgxpTDA1Ns84MX_ytYA4F1p46WgZ1co3_KsnT2nyanARPgq8x2jJ_PTzkL8lnSJpuABNSTHoTnahgUl7uBONQ62tscw_r1twSlhgFY/s1600/IMG_0520.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>The first beer was easy to drink and the first lap was a jog
out accompanied by Kez. The second beer
and next lap were uncomfortable with beer sloshing in my stomach as Kroi tried
to convince me to run with more enthusiasm.
By the third beer I was starting to think about giving up beer for life,
Kez agreed and we trotted round with me holding my stomach. The fourth beer was like trying to drink beer
while struggling with a hangover, it was awful.
I fought the desire to vomit and tried to concentrate on just getting to
the finish. We turned the last corner
and I asked for Kroi’s help, he responded by dragging me through the last 1/8
mile at well under sub5 minute mile pace.
I finished and almost collapsed in a heap. I normally run ultras for fun and this one
mile challenge nearly destroyed me!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6X4uSCoaFIWBFIbPjrVYOUXw3HZpc_2isoJte6cOTZyD3nhkIuV9cDuuTw91TgKsg3ydcMv-XhAwGnl28xE00Yxr1AIdySfeu-sXUI-i3ajeMmoqOQRTi-XG_aoI_tpHhW7Ju7X5Hlk/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6X4uSCoaFIWBFIbPjrVYOUXw3HZpc_2isoJte6cOTZyD3nhkIuV9cDuuTw91TgKsg3ydcMv-XhAwGnl28xE00Yxr1AIdySfeu-sXUI-i3ajeMmoqOQRTi-XG_aoI_tpHhW7Ju7X5Hlk/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>My time for the full mile, including the drinking of beer
was 7:14, with over a minute of standing around time. Would I do it again? On the day my answer was a very blunt NO. But upon reflection and consideration of
perhaps drinking my most favourite beer, I may well have another go.<br />
<br />
Thank you Russ and Heidi at Gallt-y-Glyn for your help; Ian for the never
ending support and amazing photos; Linda, Ruska, Lewis and Cameron for their
tolerance; and big shout out to my very special running team of the Siberian
Husky brothers, Kez and Kroi.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-15339030958364617052015-03-29T19:04:00.007+01:002015-03-29T19:08:27.644+01:00Spike: Looking back on life so far....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBddGFmLKeiaWauRaAno5raCWE7IgWFP5_JdsXnymdesP0MzGRMyCS2gP6Html0BlcNARxa-Q7HTcFkTOACvk_44_6Z-D33x5bapPBb9vGi7LfX-jJkUWubP3bIDSuwSk_Pw-ds48b2uk/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBddGFmLKeiaWauRaAno5raCWE7IgWFP5_JdsXnymdesP0MzGRMyCS2gP6Html0BlcNARxa-Q7HTcFkTOACvk_44_6Z-D33x5bapPBb9vGi7LfX-jJkUWubP3bIDSuwSk_Pw-ds48b2uk/s1600/02.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Two years ago I made a very important decision. I wanted to make amends for something that
lives with me every day and will never go away.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
His name was Kobi and for 18 wonderful months I lived the dream. A dog so traumatised by abuse and torture, he
had given up on life when he came to live with us. I wanted to save him and show him happiness
and for a brief moment in time I did that.
I showed him love and trust and he repaid me by loving and trusting me
in return. But he could love and trust
no other being, human or dog and ultimately the abuse and damage that he
endured as a puppy was too much for him to bear. In April 2012 I held Kobi in my arms as he
fell asleep for the last time.<br />
<br />
After Kobi left us we fostered various dogs and helped them on their journey of
life. Each time it got harder as we
became attached to every dog that shared our life. We decided to stop being a foster home for
Siberian Huskies.<br />
<br />
And then, in March 2013, I learned of the plight of a husky puppy that had been
severely mistreated and was in need of a foster home. He had been abandoned at Brentwood railway
station very underweight and infested with mange. A wonderful man and his family found him
early one morning and after tempting him with baby food they were able to catch
him. They certainly saved his life that
day as he appeared to be on a mission to run onto the railway tracks. This family knew of a lady in the area that
owned huskies and asked for her help to look after the pup. This lovely lady took him into her home and
for two weeks showed him love, fed him well and treated his mange. This lovely lady worked in a pub and the
puppy met many of her friends that worked with her. They all fell in love with this poorly little
pup. Sadly she could not keep the puppy,
now called Blue and she asked for the help of her dear friend involved with
Siberian Husky rescue. Her friend agreed
without hesitation. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7T6MPAEucw8IpVMahwiFLYnUEDupOtriBvenbrTAs3HIYHuZTa2rje1wKlClc6LsV8Bvgb5ynXKY8pzIR4ivCM49qvs6Cdsg_gJzW8-NQ03SdhL4DSPfZ9XH1w8FI-VFpqoCROE9Qzo/s1600/803843_521272817954282_293502821_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7T6MPAEucw8IpVMahwiFLYnUEDupOtriBvenbrTAs3HIYHuZTa2rje1wKlClc6LsV8Bvgb5ynXKY8pzIR4ivCM49qvs6Cdsg_gJzW8-NQ03SdhL4DSPfZ9XH1w8FI-VFpqoCROE9Qzo/s1600/803843_521272817954282_293502821_n.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Boy Blue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I learned that a baby puppy, possibly 3-4 months old
needed a temporary foster home, my “no more foster dogs” became a “one last
time” and “it will only be for a few months Ian”. ...<br />
<br />
And so in April 2013 Blue came to live with us.
We expected a very cute and fluffy 3 month old puppy. The reality was that the pup was between 6-9
months old but in such poor condition and severely malnourished that he was the
size and weight of a 3 month old pup. He
was not cute and I am ashamed to say that I immediately thought that he looked
more like an evil Gremlin (from the movie of the same name) than a husky
pup. He had huge ears, a strange shaped
head, big front arms and a very frail back end.
His tail had virtually no fur on it and the rest of his body not much
more. The mange infestation was gone,
but his skin was still very red and itchy.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
However, I was blown away by the pup’s smile and attitude. He just looked at us and smiled in a way I
had never seen before on a dog. Some
people walked past as we took him from the van to the garden and this pup
smiled and leapt forward to try and say hello to them as well. This little dog loved people even though he
had clearly been abused by them in his short life. His frail body struggled to carry him, but he
was so full of determination. Both Ian
and I both believed then that there was something a bit special about this pup. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCoKqbJrUeC-VcS33bWcDLB6g2LuqEmtSLB9qs6MuE2GNjw8QJU3jNN8ql-BHMO7vWLPwJTuC5znHJM-d9FlnXnwFejoIO-2196VSMfNDy5VTzmPTOeCz918m2JDY9Xnq-aCToMcoOTE/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCoKqbJrUeC-VcS33bWcDLB6g2LuqEmtSLB9qs6MuE2GNjw8QJU3jNN8ql-BHMO7vWLPwJTuC5znHJM-d9FlnXnwFejoIO-2196VSMfNDy5VTzmPTOeCz918m2JDY9Xnq-aCToMcoOTE/s1600/03.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spike with his hero</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As his foster home, this pup would only be with us temporarily,
just until he was fit and well enough to be adopted and given a home for
life. We initially referred to him as
Little Boy Blue and then decided he fitted the name Spike rather well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the spring and early summer of 2013 we helped Spike
gain good weight and condition. His hind
legs took a very long time to strengthen and he would fall over easily, but it
never bothered him he just jumped up and continued with whatever he had been
doing. It took many months before Spike
even had the strength to shake properly.
He would try to and then fall over.
We feared that he might have a neurological problem, but thankfully that
was ruled out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our pack of Siberian Huskies taught him all about pack life
and Kez taught him the rules of the house. It was clear from very early on that Spike
idolised our pack leader, something that Kroi was remarkably calm and tolerant about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a few months of good food, gentle exercise and love,
Spike turned into a beautiful swan and it was time for him to find a permanent
home. There were many offers for this
special little dude and in the summer of 2013 Spike was adopted by a family chosen
for him by the welfare organisation.<br />
<br />
36 hours later Spike was back with us, deemed “too bouncy” by his new young family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We agreed to foster him again without hesitation, committed
to our vow to find him a wonderful loving family of his own.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then it all changed…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Becoming more concerned about his hind movement, we had his
hips x-rayed and it was confirmed that he had hip dysplasia. Not good news, but with the correct care and
exercise it could hopefully be managed well.
We were referred to Top Dog Hydrotherapy (Andover, Hampshire) and Spike
was soon having regular hydro sessions (running on a treadmill in a water
tank). This form of exercise, combined with
gentle running with me, resulted in a great improvement in his movement and
soon we were once again looking for that special home for him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then it all changed.
One day while out running with him he suddenly stopped dead and for a
split second I feared that his hips had “gone”.
But after the initial panic was over I was able to confirm that it was
his front right leg that was causing him great pain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was confirmed in December 2013 by Fitzpatrick Referrals
that Spike had Elbow Dysplasia (ED) there were several surgical options available,
depending on where his ED fell on the spectrum – best case a tidy up within the
joint, worst case total elbow replacement.
We agreed to adopt Spike, come what may.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The full details are contained <a href="http://sandrabowers.blogspot.co.uk/2014_01_01_archive.html">here</a>, but
in January 2014 Spike returned to Fitzpatrick Referrals and the full extent of
his condition was confirmed. To have
both elbows replaced was not possible on ethical and financial grounds. We were forewarned that Spike may only live
another 6-9 months.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We made a vow to ensure that Spike had the best ever “rest
of his life”, however long that may be. I remember saying even if he wants
beer, he can have beer. But maybe that was one step too far!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we knew Spike would be with us for the rest of his life.
We enjoyed figuring out what he enjoyed, how much he could run and how to
balance his running, rest, hydrotherapy, swimming, acupuncture and laser
therapy. This little guy lives the life of an elite athlete! He got stronger, his
short runs with his husky house mates bonded him with them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then he faced his next major setback in September 2014. On a
short walk in the village he ruptured his cruciate ligament. Now only able to
use three-legs Spike didn’t seem to care. While we winced at his hobbling, to
be honest there was little that Spike didn’t try and do, even with only 75% of
his legs available! Of course the leg needed to be fixed and he had to endure
major surgery and 3 months of very little exercise, during which time he lost a
lot of weight and became very depressed.
We came close to losing him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnzI8rVPWGyMqBlLSA3BfbarhStvx6CWEl65GjYBCIzuJNVkG8sVGcRnBxnjUndqfWIlWIvpaioXTHgicFaGOzBo5YZXBcOUJ5jOMqxG67k_hv2njbeQZ_nbKBZsIJ55UR6NVGkufjzo/s1600/10422439_809296499149840_2420650082328319919_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnzI8rVPWGyMqBlLSA3BfbarhStvx6CWEl65GjYBCIzuJNVkG8sVGcRnBxnjUndqfWIlWIvpaioXTHgicFaGOzBo5YZXBcOUJ5jOMqxG67k_hv2njbeQZ_nbKBZsIJ55UR6NVGkufjzo/s1600/10422439_809296499149840_2420650082328319919_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leading the way at Brentwood parkrun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the start of 2015 we had to start all over again,
teaching Spike how to walk, then to jog and then to run. Combined with our training plans and his
medical treatments we made it work.<br />
<br />
And now, 15 months since the dreaded news, Spike is still here, happy bouncy
and running. He has regular hydro sessions
at <a href="http://topdoghydrotherapy.com/">Top Dog Hydrotherapy</a> and laser
treatment by <a href="http://shelleydoxey.co.uk/veterinary-acupuncture.html">Shelley
Doxley</a>. He runs short distances
every other day, he needs lot of rest afterwards, but he is absolutely
determined to run and he can run very fast!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He also loves to run with Ian.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdNNANSyOKMtpA1Mw6IKdLZ1ugIXonckLX0QR5NRJXnbblEZqocRgAhKUqODFGYhixOG2l7etqiaVRcFgDXWAdQxVgiYMsK4_ULillxkW0ZcUM7iWvnG9p5qEAlLvQZeyJKmeDPF_szo/s1600/DSC_0295_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdNNANSyOKMtpA1Mw6IKdLZ1ugIXonckLX0QR5NRJXnbblEZqocRgAhKUqODFGYhixOG2l7etqiaVRcFgDXWAdQxVgiYMsK4_ULillxkW0ZcUM7iWvnG9p5qEAlLvQZeyJKmeDPF_szo/s1600/DSC_0295_crop.jpg" height="172" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weald Country Park, Brentwood with his pack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday Spike won a 5k parkrun with Ian, in Brentwood,
Spike’s original home and where he nearly died.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And after the run we finally got to meet the person that
saved Spike’s life in March 2013. This
person and his family saved Spike from certain death as he tried to run onto
the tracks at Brentwood railway station.
Without people like him the world would be a very different place. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8PBf_Ae3X0hsGlpMdu7Xq2y26l-JgQCTDuK8wMh4VDIfUu3ZOfELCseaYXR13if-3JzYbzNtwbl2uT5Ue2H7PROQEn9AUa2FQS0gXPlbyUP9chWDAn21X4eYntfXxx31Tn51j-cfSiM/s1600/IMG_0235_1024px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8PBf_Ae3X0hsGlpMdu7Xq2y26l-JgQCTDuK8wMh4VDIfUu3ZOfELCseaYXR13if-3JzYbzNtwbl2uT5Ue2H7PROQEn9AUa2FQS0gXPlbyUP9chWDAn21X4eYntfXxx31Tn51j-cfSiM/s1600/IMG_0235_1024px.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Railway workers at the Station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We took Spike to the railway station where he was found and
the pub where he met the lovely lady that helped him before he entered our
lives. It was very interesting seeing
how Spike behaved during all those experiences.
He spent a lot of time sniffing and staring at a particular point in the
car park. I can only guess what could
have been going through his mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike’s has many great adventures yet to come, one of which
I truly believe will be the most inspirational yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpZNINxt6pLVKQOvYv1uTdtJq-d3Hm3shzaCQCR3n8MH6rjW1wS0IG53rKeRevSpA-Hf8RvXadAmTQWuDmMVWtbYjHV1uik4gn7mr6y_BZvIeJ6jhz3p9phjKtaS7jgDg62kthg-Kvj0/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpZNINxt6pLVKQOvYv1uTdtJq-d3Hm3shzaCQCR3n8MH6rjW1wS0IG53rKeRevSpA-Hf8RvXadAmTQWuDmMVWtbYjHV1uik4gn7mr6y_BZvIeJ6jhz3p9phjKtaS7jgDg62kthg-Kvj0/s1600/IMG_0225.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the family that saved his life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe Spike can help me achieve a long held dream of
running a Sub4 minute mile. He is
getting stronger and quicker each week and last week with Kroi’s help we ran
our fastest mile since May 2014.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The only minor inconvenience is that I need
surgery on my ankle joint and it will happen in the next month or so. I have chronic pain in my ankle and surgery
to alleviate it is quite invasive and may involve breaking my fibula to get to
the damaged section of bone. I have an
awesome surgeon that I trust explicitly and he has already performed 3
operations on this ankle, each one I have bounced back from. I guess Spike and I are a bit like real life
Weebles ;-) <br />
<br />
Spike is a very special dog and has many guardian angels that have helped him
on his journey of life. From those that
saved him from certain death to those that help pay his medical bills and those
that broke the rules in order to help him and those that support him each and
every day. And then there are those that
go far and beyond to help his medical and veterinary rehabilitation. Thank you to each and every one of you,
especially <a href="http://www.npmarathon.com/">North Pole Marathon</a>, we are
eternally grateful for your continued help and support.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vK_uEhQt9pTtaXe7yARIElHX9EIfjBvU8ALvrJld5_54PL0Bjc4YopOB4vCEzZOphyphenhyphendaCE3eNellaK0bxd269jGNViSD89FeW80sq6sgQQD9NW2a3BVG9Bquy4XBB8kewnLoQ-GHdSk/s1600/IMG_9663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vK_uEhQt9pTtaXe7yARIElHX9EIfjBvU8ALvrJld5_54PL0Bjc4YopOB4vCEzZOphyphenhyphendaCE3eNellaK0bxd269jGNViSD89FeW80sq6sgQQD9NW2a3BVG9Bquy4XBB8kewnLoQ-GHdSk/s1600/IMG_9663.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's go catch a dream....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
(<i>Photos courtesy of Ian J Berry, Brentwood parkrun and me</i>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-69056352818275151902015-03-01T15:17:00.003+00:002015-03-01T15:29:41.760+00:00The Miracle called Spike<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8hZSMHW11aZ7wwguxNcAiKxsO6GP3JEBWhH-wpoQRj3GYLeGrsG4fcEQS63f_k5oQ33OJq6x3CwRgjiIluYdbTAgyRSJy4322JTdX4dJbi0FD1Xl4gpczOipkZvh2kw7a42lHQWnIO4/s1600/Miracle+Spike02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8hZSMHW11aZ7wwguxNcAiKxsO6GP3JEBWhH-wpoQRj3GYLeGrsG4fcEQS63f_k5oQ33OJq6x3CwRgjiIluYdbTAgyRSJy4322JTdX4dJbi0FD1Xl4gpczOipkZvh2kw7a42lHQWnIO4/s1600/Miracle+Spike02.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spike's Motto - "Live life to the full"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have shared our lives with Spike for nearly two
years. Two years of experiences that I
would not wish on my worst enemy, well certainly not the bad bits, but the good
bits are worth a lifetime of negatives.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Spike is an entity. A very special
entity that defies medical logic and is determined to prove just how special
and inspirational a being can be. No one
ever said that only human beings can be inspirational…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp7FL0v6aFDdiWnJ-dcpGertLG_v62OPpzpkFM9_E39TWsTrmjCHNKtRIa6NUh6-hEbX59WLI5vskeohNyDh433mmdq-ZkscBBEV2qHBY2zkpkgKVw3jSxnqx_OgiptAlD9EV1TtwYUg/s1600/Miracle+Spike04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZp7FL0v6aFDdiWnJ-dcpGertLG_v62OPpzpkFM9_E39TWsTrmjCHNKtRIa6NUh6-hEbX59WLI5vskeohNyDh433mmdq-ZkscBBEV2qHBY2zkpkgKVw3jSxnqx_OgiptAlD9EV1TtwYUg/s1600/Miracle+Spike04.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since I was 13 years old I have managed chronic pain in my left ankle and as
I get older it gets harder to manage.
The negativity sets in and fear takes over. I don’t like taking drugs, I prefer to manage
the pain as best I can, sometimes I can and sometimes I cannot. Sometimes my mind weakens and I cannot overcome
the negativity. I was doing okay until a
couple of years ago, round about the time the entity that we call Spike entered
our lives…..<br />
<br />
For those that do not know. Spike has
hip and elbow dysplasia. He has had
x-rays, CT scans and been put through every medical examination possible. We have the factual details and know what we
are working with. He also ruptured his
cruciate in September 2014 and had to endure extensive surgery to repair the
damage. My ankle has been operated on 3
times, CT Scanned, MRI and x-rayed and know the facts of my condition. They are not disputable. Spike and I don’t have cartilage in our
joints. When we move we click and crunch
as bone meets bone. This is a fact, but
sometimes facts don’t matter. <br />
<br />
If you are a logical person that thrives on logic I suggest you read no
further. However if you can throw logic
out the window and want to enter a world where the word miracle springs to mind, then I welcome you to the World that Spike
lives in. A world that we try to control
as we want to protect him, but truly he is the one in control….<br />
<br />
Every day Spike wakes up and wants to run.
He is a Husky and running is in his blood, it pulses through his
veins. We are his human protectors and
we know that if he runs every day then he will suffer. I wake up every day and want to run, I make
the decision as to whether I do or not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both Spike and I have adapted our bodies to assist our
desires. Muscle development in the
affected limbs helps protect and reduce the impact on the joints. We walk and run “weird”, but it works for us. We both hobble when walking, but when we run
you would never know that anything was wrong.<br />
<br />
We have reached a compromise that Spike appears to accept. He is allowed to run every other day, which
not surprisingly he loves! The
non-running days are a bit of a problem and normally Ian has to manage Spike’s
enthusiasm on those days while I disappear into the darkness with our other
Siberian Huskies.<br />
<br />
On the days that Spike runs, life becomes easier for us – he sleeps for the
rest of the day!! On the days he does
not run our poor garden suffers. He is
currently trying to create a Hobbit size hole in one of our gardens, well
either that or a tunnel to Australia….<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv18bPYfwgwCShyqcMlNQZYCfzhkl22NaVnbzu_Ox3Hm7GWGNXJo16w2APPoNHqMYAJjbkpX8klwRkBtZ3NsPGwYYIJHluvxbV4UkAKjBkO98H3BihmYBnzwt4CSvkd-hS4WeAU7rt5V0/s1600/Miracle+Spike03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv18bPYfwgwCShyqcMlNQZYCfzhkl22NaVnbzu_Ox3Hm7GWGNXJo16w2APPoNHqMYAJjbkpX8klwRkBtZ3NsPGwYYIJHluvxbV4UkAKjBkO98H3BihmYBnzwt4CSvkd-hS4WeAU7rt5V0/s1600/Miracle+Spike03.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running with his favourite human</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are trying to build up Spike’s running slowly, but at the
same time run at the pace he wants to.
Since December his pace has gradually improved from 8 minute miles to
4:50 minute miles. He cannot run for a
great length of time, and in that respect we differ greatly. I prefer distance over speed and struggle
with motivation to maintain effort over a short distance. However I have a long held dream to run very
quickly for one mile and that is where Spike and my paths collide…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I need his help to run a Sub4 minute mile. We have two Siberian Huskies that are easily
capable of running 4 minute mile pace for a long period of time, but I am not
physically capable of prolonged running at that speed. When I tire they ease back and let me run at
a pace I am comfortable, they are my doggy protectors. However, Spike on the other hand is not so
considerate! When he runs he wants to
run quickly and with reckless abandonment.
He wants to get “there” before everyone…. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgMcpLb9ofrv5XHGZmAf4d7jXRsJ4AA-d_rbzzys0pNjXLvIVVyePkwDgUFAucfXUXzbOClUuOEbsGBDaO-_eQ3QzQX7qif81nYTXksolQ0WWH4F6I73FpOSxhJrgUTLJDpzSwBXl9z4/s1600/Miracle+Spike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgMcpLb9ofrv5XHGZmAf4d7jXRsJ4AA-d_rbzzys0pNjXLvIVVyePkwDgUFAucfXUXzbOClUuOEbsGBDaO-_eQ3QzQX7qif81nYTXksolQ0WWH4F6I73FpOSxhJrgUTLJDpzSwBXl9z4/s1600/Miracle+Spike.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike has been solo training and running with Kez since his
TPLO operation. Spike runs a lot with
Ian and that partnership works very well.
We are being very cautious with his post recovery training and have so
far not allowed him to run with Kroi.
Kroi is a speed demon and when he runs with Spike testosterone generally
fuels the run. They are male dogs of similar
age, so not surprising that they are competitive with one another! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike continues to have regular hydrotherapy sessions to
help his fitness and muscle development.
He also has laser therapy treatment and is assessed by a vet on a
regular basis. He is not on any regular
pain medication and is physically in the best shape he has ever been in. He also regularly digs very deep holes in our
garden, which is quite a feat when you consider the condition of his elbow
joints!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Spike is indeed a very special little dog that
continues to defy medical and scientific logic.
He is our little miracle….</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<i>(Images thanks to Ian J Berry, well apart from one :-) )</i>The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-67002370995200114832015-01-18T17:00:00.001+00:002015-01-18T17:00:10.142+00:00This is not the end, dreams are foreverThis week I received some news that scared me and yet filled
me with excitement for the future.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNl-qYdaWH-76U8yibezR8QuaClCsBKTY_q-_SD4X21PfTtNWHrBNiYjB7vcyZ9gam47PxlqP-qlarL_006Ocoh7e2hQIXZc9G9ryE8GCmoEMa3wQIlOpZohP05aHarrlpaa_tJZL4kM/s1600/aaaaaaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMNl-qYdaWH-76U8yibezR8QuaClCsBKTY_q-_SD4X21PfTtNWHrBNiYjB7vcyZ9gam47PxlqP-qlarL_006Ocoh7e2hQIXZc9G9ryE8GCmoEMa3wQIlOpZohP05aHarrlpaa_tJZL4kM/s1600/aaaaaaa.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The photo that says it all :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz30JEwTSnD19UViVlLdqZQzD-NY2HzY5vJVZsYYUeatzAgfcm9YTM8d5DCHbYBS77FZeteSJSw-PS0_HCsV3d9jf5KVC15HrmUeGPGhCc7DbEp-wo-FMW2ROIZgMUIr8Y4-Ka1AxVPXE/s1600/38114_1457234465419_1008157_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz30JEwTSnD19UViVlLdqZQzD-NY2HzY5vJVZsYYUeatzAgfcm9YTM8d5DCHbYBS77FZeteSJSw-PS0_HCsV3d9jf5KVC15HrmUeGPGhCc7DbEp-wo-FMW2ROIZgMUIr8Y4-Ka1AxVPXE/s1600/38114_1457234465419_1008157_n.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooh, which colour for 2015?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
For many months I have been preparing myself for the
imminent minor surgery on my ankle that would “take me out of action” for 6
weeks or so. Unfortunately based on my
recent MRI scan the surgical intervention to reduce my pain is going to be a
little bit more complicated than I hoped and my recovery will involve a minimum
of three months on crutches. If you are squeamish,
please do not read the next paragraph as I am about to describe the procedure….<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><u>The operation
involves drilling through the talus bone to make it bleed and “erupt” over the
surface of the bone, creating scar tissue which will take the place of the
missing cartilage within the ankle joint.
Hopefully surgery will be performed via keyhole (arthroscopy) but if
access to the area cannot be reached that way then a section of my fibula (the
thin bone next to the tibia) will be removed to allow full operational access
and then bolted back together</u>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmImjUTQGR78q25bRn_9HyiI2w5CS7n5hNS8PNalwJLvw2cKE_-wXdBYYqqOR09-nJfDAshqAx3IiTrnFryFf6NgCNRqYzcvYJLbFstHz8DAbeZ0sT13WaHLzZCYmoycKbYBQzZFLaR-4/s1600/10484147_10202827429661370_3693970643020585708_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmImjUTQGR78q25bRn_9HyiI2w5CS7n5hNS8PNalwJLvw2cKE_-wXdBYYqqOR09-nJfDAshqAx3IiTrnFryFf6NgCNRqYzcvYJLbFstHz8DAbeZ0sT13WaHLzZCYmoycKbYBQzZFLaR-4/s1600/10484147_10202827429661370_3693970643020585708_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Dream Team...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the prognosis based on this procedure is very good from
both a life and running perspective. I
will never lead a completely pain free life, but I will be able to do anything
that I want to, well almost anything!
And the good news is that this week’s x-rays have confirmed that both
metatarsal fractures (in the opposing foot to the injured ankle) remain fully
healed and have coped well with my return to running. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This will be the fourth operation on my ankle and all surgeries
have been performed by a wonderful consultant that believes in me and all that
I do. Each time he has performed surgery
on my ankle I have gone on to do amazing things: run around 90 marathons and
ultras; run thousands of miles with Siberian Huskies; won National Championships;
earned two Great Britain vests and run in Commonwealth, European and World
Championships. I have created dreams and
lived those dreams thanks to him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTmM3OAxqdlzZZFUgoPWCCX4xpJSraM8M0VKwavafey5kfA0fjh8S-KA6hmAukMguWV3skK2HC-jv6iyp7o0yceCenQyI0FqJ9XNEivJTtAr1MLw410GGiLCsoYdp-CqkkcYQ3ZZxTfw/s1600/10489939_10202845227706310_5404434044316228823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTmM3OAxqdlzZZFUgoPWCCX4xpJSraM8M0VKwavafey5kfA0fjh8S-KA6hmAukMguWV3skK2HC-jv6iyp7o0yceCenQyI0FqJ9XNEivJTtAr1MLw410GGiLCsoYdp-CqkkcYQ3ZZxTfw/s1600/10489939_10202845227706310_5404434044316228823_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The time to beat....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is with this knowledge that I will undergo this surgery
and believe deep in my heart that all my running related dreams will wait for
me to recover. Dreams never die; they
just sometimes sleep for a while.<br />
<br />
The operation will probably take place before the spring months. At the moment I am able to run thanks to a
very high pain threshold and the knowledge that I am not damaging the ankle
further. I am going to go on a very
special dream quest, running faster that I have ever done in my life, but only
for one mile. I have 4:13 to beat and I
am going to ask for help from some very special Siberian Huskies.<br /><br />(<i>images with grateful thanks to Ian J Berry and Runners World</i>)</div>
The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-47748201395044391082015-01-04T18:09:00.001+00:002015-01-04T18:10:16.162+00:00Spike: The Dream lives once again....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_M3QgqvxNBHnl6DIL0qS9hx7A2kPTI3Eax1fHbVRC8gGBbUJGLKB4UL2VGlFisD30WUfWrps9ZEN-gpVo1T48qUYpix69gsmghq-XXCqmHyQf7g9OlDIP_vEMaCJmdLcQzAwwrHzIBQ/s1600/Stones+at+castlerigg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_M3QgqvxNBHnl6DIL0qS9hx7A2kPTI3Eax1fHbVRC8gGBbUJGLKB4UL2VGlFisD30WUfWrps9ZEN-gpVo1T48qUYpix69gsmghq-XXCqmHyQf7g9OlDIP_vEMaCJmdLcQzAwwrHzIBQ/s1600/Stones+at+castlerigg.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
It is now 15 weeks since Spike had TPLO surgery to repair
his leg following the rupture of his cruciate ligament. <br />
<br />
His recovery has been a very stressful and
heart wrenching experience to witness.
We have watched his health and well-being decline during this time. The happy character that we have all come to
love and admire for his tenacious and determined attitude to life moved out and
a very depressed and grumpy little Spike moved in.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
He was not allowed to play with his friends, interactions with the other pack
members had to be carefully managed and he was only allowed a few minutes’
gentle walk from the house. Running and
playing were banned and life for Spike became very mundane and boring. He lost interest in playing with his toys and
got very grumpy if anyone tried to move a toy from where he had carefully
arranged it within his special den. He
spent 23 hours of each day sleeping in his den and did not want to eat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During this time our worst fears were also realised and
Spike’s elbows have deteriorated. We
knew this would happen, we have seen the x-rays, analysed the CT Scans and
spoken to several orthopaedic consultants.
But what happened in early December still came as a huge shock.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike had been limping heavily on his nearside foreleg for
several weeks and suddenly one evening he started limping on his offside fore
as well. Only his offside hind leg was
still working, all others were causing him such intense pain that he could not
even rise from his bed without our help.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A depressed dog that cannot stand without assistance would
not lead the life that we promised Spike would only ever know. A very restless night ensued as we tried to
prepare ourselves to say goodbye to Spike. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, if you wish upon a falling star, sometimes your
wish really can come true…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPUOhVtlu-9KbNwgYlzQfmXiKPOt8mBCnqD4Nzz3SPZ8LElGrTFGy6fOdy35cVmK_LMnvdZKD1Z49-hOAhZ1LIkTRddwB2qASeELalBjMhunbUlU0pqPU0zCQ-X72jaUq1AO1_XTyQwU/s1600/10854285_305222389681472_6166273662635012420_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPUOhVtlu-9KbNwgYlzQfmXiKPOt8mBCnqD4Nzz3SPZ8LElGrTFGy6fOdy35cVmK_LMnvdZKD1Z49-hOAhZ1LIkTRddwB2qASeELalBjMhunbUlU0pqPU0zCQ-X72jaUq1AO1_XTyQwU/s1600/10854285_305222389681472_6166273662635012420_o.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a>The following day Spike struggled to get up, but he did
manage it without our assistance and as the day progressed he started looking
stronger and happier. We reinforced our
determination that whatever the future held we were going to give Spike as many
happy experiences as we could for as long as we could.<br />
<br />
We took Spike out in his special buggy to meet people and Ian ran a parkrun
with Spike in the buggy the whole way – he loved it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was given veterinary approval to return to Hydrotherapy
the following week and allowed to once again play in the water and see his
special friends at <a href="http://topdoghydrotherapy.com/">Top Dog
Hydrotherapy</a> in Andover. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He has been receiving laser therapy and acupuncture treatment
from <a href="http://shelleydoxey.co.uk/veterinary-acupuncture.html">Shelley
Doxley</a>. And he continues to wear his
<a href="http://www.trionzpets.co.uk/products/1-dog-collars.aspx">Trion:z
collar</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrsD4OTmqbXH810azPh2DMSiJZ6rQLdgNOyGhEJEV9CvTfcpJEmLGzRbKpU8hvtLk_oDOgvFuejiC5HZbRrOmQch_bq98kmuPfVasmGFEmM3A5-0Ft_YGEhTvRjOXeIOyOdh6Gy0zpO8/s1600/10888727_313303192206725_8563863049435889177_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrsD4OTmqbXH810azPh2DMSiJZ6rQLdgNOyGhEJEV9CvTfcpJEmLGzRbKpU8hvtLk_oDOgvFuejiC5HZbRrOmQch_bq98kmuPfVasmGFEmM3A5-0Ft_YGEhTvRjOXeIOyOdh6Gy0zpO8/s1600/10888727_313303192206725_8563863049435889177_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmTsDK380axtmjev0mr5Vd0Dv7np-pYbsNWoKuvLNLdvHpEudQ1e-s645qHLmd8L9YUSYhrJ6KyK9wGbbOYF_6U2ItTKiUllv1t2B2-DhZWz6HwhdNVFmum2ff0sYYBIIztcAEldoLwo/s1600/10488245_313959382141106_5507775902416114072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBmTsDK380axtmjev0mr5Vd0Dv7np-pYbsNWoKuvLNLdvHpEudQ1e-s645qHLmd8L9YUSYhrJ6KyK9wGbbOYF_6U2ItTKiUllv1t2B2-DhZWz6HwhdNVFmum2ff0sYYBIIztcAEldoLwo/s1600/10488245_313959382141106_5507775902416114072_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a>We took him to Scotland over Christmas to meet my
family. He made some new friends,
visited the beach and shared Christmas dinner with the family. Brussel sprouts were politely refused but
roast potatoes were devoured instantly.
Spike loves all form of potatoes, baked, chipped or mashed. I think potatoes and porridge are his
favourite foods as he will choose them over anything else, including all forms
of meat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOFwEgVpSSs5cHQT057v3Ga6vw0ZuTQsKvgGNc1kgNC6epyBXZTOTCCaDGhnYmGl9hgyz2FzHmuV1CQei_JzXRKVq-uWqr_IEWhJMB-HOCprSNgxICOIdwAwdkeIVdjBEXhmsJ61MTx4/s1600/1979998_313303288873382_5299974560334745694_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOFwEgVpSSs5cHQT057v3Ga6vw0ZuTQsKvgGNc1kgNC6epyBXZTOTCCaDGhnYmGl9hgyz2FzHmuV1CQei_JzXRKVq-uWqr_IEWhJMB-HOCprSNgxICOIdwAwdkeIVdjBEXhmsJ61MTx4/s1600/1979998_313303288873382_5299974560334745694_o.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>We stopped off in the Lake District on the way back from
Scotland and had some fun on the mountains in the freezing cold. Spike saw sheep and snow, lakes and standing
stones. He even had a little taste of
beer, but only on the tip of his tongue as I was not prepared to share any more!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since we have returned from Scotland the Spike we all know
and love has returned. He is happy,
bouncy, shouts a lot and is a general pain in the backside. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few days ago we let Spike have a very short and controlled
run. The smiles on his face during and
after were confirmation that we chose well.
As his guardians we have to make very important decisions on his behalf
and a “Spike smiles” tells us all that we need to know. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a long way to go yet but I now dare to dream that
Spike will one day run again in our little Husky team. A three dog Dream Mile may yet still be
possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>(<i>All images with grateful thanks to Ian J Berry and Paul Hammond</i>) </o:p></div>
The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-24591369091809203022014-12-12T18:16:00.004+00:002014-12-12T18:16:47.022+00:00The wonders of laser therapy treatment<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OkUULsi8Gx5FfUQR6FIByEMP4X3-MO-rr0hT06KQT1GfLDtiJAGY7IbENn4QmC5RoK5Y4zV6fbnTUmhbUNfo8gOXAph4cHZvbJiDlMe-jaR-QU1v34Pl4ujVEz-7k3m9BZqXotlfvJk/s1600/DSC_0104+b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OkUULsi8Gx5FfUQR6FIByEMP4X3-MO-rr0hT06KQT1GfLDtiJAGY7IbENn4QmC5RoK5Y4zV6fbnTUmhbUNfo8gOXAph4cHZvbJiDlMe-jaR-QU1v34Pl4ujVEz-7k3m9BZqXotlfvJk/s1600/DSC_0104+b.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a>Ten years ago if you asked me about "laser treatment", I would
have pictured in my mind a Jedi Knight using a lightsaber in a battle with a
bad dude from the dark side! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, fast forward ten years and courtesy of my job and
my own personal experience, I have learned a lot about the medical benefits of laser
technology. So when it was suggested
that Spike underwent laser treatment to help his medical conditions we had no
hesitation in agreeing for him to be zapped by lasers….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfB_FQPK1lcL4DfKwXLyBAI4RCSHYudnYFvRUHxl5wraSUKi6keB3odVdgS8Av4maFJmCH-PKKiRx5v5A2Hgg5RxxZEOuCAW66Jgf3NSs8KQ6boWIHb0ukbKCSc2AC8eo31TS5EZZxXU/s1600/DSC_0100+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfB_FQPK1lcL4DfKwXLyBAI4RCSHYudnYFvRUHxl5wraSUKi6keB3odVdgS8Av4maFJmCH-PKKiRx5v5A2Hgg5RxxZEOuCAW66Jgf3NSs8KQ6boWIHb0ukbKCSc2AC8eo31TS5EZZxXU/s1600/DSC_0100+a.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a>Laser treatment works by applying red and near infra-red
light over the injury/ site being treated.
The light beams stimulate the cells in the body that reduce pain and
inflammation and to repair damaged tissue.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This form of treatment is non-invasive and offers drug free
pain relief and enhanced healing of injuries.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of the benefits of using laser light to treat injuries:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anti-inflammatory<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rapid cell repair<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enhanced healing of wounds <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reduces the formation of scar tissue<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Increases blood flow to the injury site<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nerve function stimulation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7MpFmxsF_u5ieP4rEiFrP5foEAMOQ2CUW3Mk2bFxOJRqLupwpmMus0XYPib9xMMNX9LMOOcq4DEmSBWwykQci5D1A6YVsbq2nm8eMFVhNgs-7s1HNcHwahEy7ePR-uvnLTBeYs11bpo/s1600/DSC_0110+e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7MpFmxsF_u5ieP4rEiFrP5foEAMOQ2CUW3Mk2bFxOJRqLupwpmMus0XYPib9xMMNX9LMOOcq4DEmSBWwykQci5D1A6YVsbq2nm8eMFVhNgs-7s1HNcHwahEy7ePR-uvnLTBeYs11bpo/s1600/DSC_0110+e.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Spike has been receiving laser therapy treatment from <a href="http://shelleydoxey.co.uk/veterinary-acupuncture.html">Shelley Doxey</a>
since his <a href="http://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/our-services/surgery/conditions/hind-limb/cranial-cruciate-ligament-injury">TPLO</a>
surgery to repair his ruptured cruciate ligament. Shelley has been helping take care of Spike
since the day he arrived in our home.
She has helped diagnose all of his medical conditions and advised the
best forms of treatment and surgical options.
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNJAc4n-SpJAEIue-31P-N5P9QR_-Ioj43zdg2NUWtzF-gae4eIXKqCIbSOq-iUo7YWoci68R9R97hHnUH-O1sLuOYGJcd9DbM9vzbUnAQWKvoOSP3MEd14WsnO4FWYR7IX0GjhyphenhyphenPN5w/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNJAc4n-SpJAEIue-31P-N5P9QR_-Ioj43zdg2NUWtzF-gae4eIXKqCIbSOq-iUo7YWoci68R9R97hHnUH-O1sLuOYGJcd9DbM9vzbUnAQWKvoOSP3MEd14WsnO4FWYR7IX0GjhyphenhyphenPN5w/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike has benefited greatly from acupuncture and laser
treatment, both of which have been performed by Shelley. Shelley is Spike’s special guardian angel and
it is delightful to see his face light up and his whole body tremble with
excitement every time he sees her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks to Shelley, Spike was also introduced to the
wonderful world of hydrotherapy at <a href="http://topdoghydrotherapy.com/">Top
Dog Hydrotherapy</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdlQgEoFIspUvxN8UiA5ig1m2zv9fB3ojyAIPVS868VGwcNr2SbUG_e3ni2fj2YHsdzUJDuZMhEVcMyEqYXA4NrJKYzruGW6sMuXu42omo6vojdMsAiE-91UlfPNlyZyMrSEmPu0j89w/s1600/IMG_4272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdlQgEoFIspUvxN8UiA5ig1m2zv9fB3ojyAIPVS868VGwcNr2SbUG_e3ni2fj2YHsdzUJDuZMhEVcMyEqYXA4NrJKYzruGW6sMuXu42omo6vojdMsAiE-91UlfPNlyZyMrSEmPu0j89w/s1600/IMG_4272.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shelley uses a Class 3B level laser to treat her patients. A small handheld device that is positioned
over the treatment area and can be done in whatever position the patient is
comfortable in. Spike lies down when he
is being treated and looks very much like he is sleeping as the laser works on
his cells.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Krofti our 14 year old Siberian Husky has also been
receiving treatment from Shelley via acupuncture and laser therapy. After treatment he is extremely relaxed and
sleeps through most of the night. On the
days he is not treated Krofti is very agitated and anxious several times
throughout the night, which results in everyone else in the house being
deprived of much needed sleep!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
(<i>Thanks to Spike the patient, Vet Shelley and Ian for the photos and words for this article</i>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<o:p></o:p>The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-88491836389456962472014-11-30T18:18:00.003+00:002014-11-30T18:18:42.802+00:00Spike - a tail of inspiration<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSLJnxUR4kmoDYMZ5nDn5AaSrQyRR1paF9K4cYMS1yN07n08x6uOLVKB-XiFc5oOP5ixQsDv_FIXFNdC67RfxJzd95pa4p8eDkqOY0j4xPO7DNRyuXd7GCfcBW0Mf8yUkfV35qH7cU8M/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSLJnxUR4kmoDYMZ5nDn5AaSrQyRR1paF9K4cYMS1yN07n08x6uOLVKB-XiFc5oOP5ixQsDv_FIXFNdC67RfxJzd95pa4p8eDkqOY0j4xPO7DNRyuXd7GCfcBW0Mf8yUkfV35qH7cU8M/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing and dreaming at BSA Ringwood...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is now two months since Spike had his TPLO Surgery for
the ruptured cruciate ligament in his hind leg.
He has been on restricted exercise since then and his mind has struggled
to cope with this. We have tried to
manage the situation as best we can and numerous toys and special permissions
have been given to him. Not every dog
gets the living room to themselves with their choice of movie playing on the
DVD on the rare occasions when both Ian and I need to leave the house together!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The good news is that the operation has been a success and a
recent x-ray has confirmed that the bone is healing well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JcxBdTyWy-JNvPy3tR3mi3CtLAxIuVIBZ-48JWds1bK8bmrQS51h6wOmx7GQDfMMxmM3g-59_cuh8VMA6gvFf-AgiL9uhcEE63b2TmL_wODxVozA_X-ADlzvwJlSJP3a4YvEWE3dzZY/s1600/Anderson+Moore+-+physio+Nov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JcxBdTyWy-JNvPy3tR3mi3CtLAxIuVIBZ-48JWds1bK8bmrQS51h6wOmx7GQDfMMxmM3g-59_cuh8VMA6gvFf-AgiL9uhcEE63b2TmL_wODxVozA_X-ADlzvwJlSJP3a4YvEWE3dzZY/s1600/Anderson+Moore+-+physio+Nov.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The face of apprehension - at the Vets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bad news is that Spike has a very inflamed patellar
tendon, which is clearly causing him pain and discomfort. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He is also acutely lame in his front left
leg, a combination of soft tissue damage and his elbow dysplasia worsening, something
we have been prepared for ever since we learned of the extent of the damage in
his elbow joints. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The really good news is that Spike has already exceeded the
life expectancy that was predicted in January and it is clear that his spirit
and determination remain strong. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike's devout attitude to wanting to run is one that I can relate to very well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNGrKg2OPLJ9l9rLmSOt3sq7hFfRwvceYBOntFEEhd-97IlhAZBFZgHKL3ipDlOBwGft9gv-GQkCwsO9jW_lhcirR0CKGEhrGOqgw5R5L3VaSOBga9TVd0ec2VNAX1DHjnBuY1q-LNk4/s1600/Spike+-+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNGrKg2OPLJ9l9rLmSOt3sq7hFfRwvceYBOntFEEhd-97IlhAZBFZgHKL3ipDlOBwGft9gv-GQkCwsO9jW_lhcirR0CKGEhrGOqgw5R5L3VaSOBga9TVd0ec2VNAX1DHjnBuY1q-LNk4/s1600/Spike+-+new.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, while I understood why I was not allowed to run for
4 months, Spike is confused and does not understand why he cannot run and have
fun with the other doggy members of the team.
It is heart-breaking to see his little face when the others go
running. He has been incredibly accepting
of the restrictions imposed on him and not once has he rebelled or become destructive,
not even his toys….<br />
<br />
Spike has a little den in our living room where (through choice) he spends most
of his time. He has special bes and lots
and lots of toys which he neatly piles up in one corner of his den. Every now and again he rearranges them into
the diagonally opposite corner, in just as neat a pile. He is very protective of his den and his toys
and gets quite upset if one of the other dogs wanders into the den and removes
a toy. Being bottom of our pack he
cannot stop them and we have to be discrete when “rescuing” his toys from a
fatal ending. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully the toy
destroying husky of the house is very respectful of Spike’s little den and only
ventures into Spike’s den when he is trying to get my attention…..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike has been receiving excellent help during his
recovery. As well as the amazing support
from the <a href="http://www.npmarathon.com/">North Pole Marathon</a> Spike has
had special laser treatment from one of his most special friends. Without her help and support Spike would
never have received the medical help essential to his survival.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdhRSnCOM_u3nASS9K0CVXv-6IZpgTXleAxX7QC2OiSd9xBIsUZV0lsWrWhQo0OQSKNyc_fbcarbmi3CQqQW0_5TpbX01ktI8JCAufsf05q3qFlHjw_iDBg9XOE0-4jetRa2Ugypg7Yw/s1600/Spike+ice+on+leg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdhRSnCOM_u3nASS9K0CVXv-6IZpgTXleAxX7QC2OiSd9xBIsUZV0lsWrWhQo0OQSKNyc_fbcarbmi3CQqQW0_5TpbX01ktI8JCAufsf05q3qFlHjw_iDBg9XOE0-4jetRa2Ugypg7Yw/s1600/Spike+ice+on+leg.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icing Spike's leg - he is very helpful :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike’s biggest supporter and helper is most definitely Ian.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian carries Spike when he needs to be
carried; helps him eat when he refuses to eat; ices his leg when it needs to be
iced; cuddles him when he needs a cuddle; rescues his toys when they need to be
rescued; makes him do his special exercises; basically Ian is there for Spike
24/7. They have a very special relationship
and it is heart-warming to witness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike has many people to thank for giving him the gift of
life and hopefully they are reading this and know just how grateful we are for
their help. Without their help Spike
would never have made it this far.
There are some wonderful people in this world, people that choose to
help save a life no matter what it takes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Humanity in its purest form crosses the divide between species and there
can be no other greater inspiration than knowing that whatever happens, everybody
has a guardian angel for them somewhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-31452141947708154022014-11-02T17:56:00.001+00:002014-11-02T17:56:20.583+00:00Ghostly adventures<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonfAXX4p41i1elGjunWhRZnGpm5MDcQwqzbjPhsRm9K4YFJp2ThqTES5bhOvxQIxTE1XYdWTfx3H0mTr5T36mNkJpBLKupWIHW0mWy-0JwDodktfVSZmbPSQn_wPzNfwbgJFZ2UIxZSk/s1600/pumpkin+huskies+running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonfAXX4p41i1elGjunWhRZnGpm5MDcQwqzbjPhsRm9K4YFJp2ThqTES5bhOvxQIxTE1XYdWTfx3H0mTr5T36mNkJpBLKupWIHW0mWy-0JwDodktfVSZmbPSQn_wPzNfwbgJFZ2UIxZSk/s1600/pumpkin+huskies+running.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huskies Running's Hallowe'en Jack-o'-lantern</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday 31<sup>st</sup> October, the night of terror that
comes but once a year….. Hallowe’en night means tricks for some and treats for
others. We prefer the treat option.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the last three years <a href="http://www.fitprorob.biz/">Believe and Achieve</a> have organised the
fabulous <a href="http://www.fitprorob.biz/the-ghost-race-friday-frightening-foxes-forest-five-2012/">Ghost
Race</a>, which takes place on the Friday closest to the night of Hallowe’en. It is a 5 mile race starting at Alexandra
Park in Portsmouth and runs across varied terrain around the Hilsea Lido and
Foxes Forest. It is run in complete
darkness and there are many ghouls and beasts that leap out from the trees as
you negotiate the course which includes wooden bridges, narrow paths and
exposed tree roots. Not for the faint
hearted this is a course that requires a very good torch, focused mind and
courage to enter the woods…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf33C6_5rFWLPPE5aWGtvsCrQKJuy4ekD52kTt3WWFTRm1azJtfmPGeTi8d_PZc1kYVJdfgo4wSvLr1ZvlNjbIbVlzbkqZTAX3nD7lMbhk1aAqv0Nm4WHKWEI7LBpFSS0ThQt5bTvNz8g/s1600/Ghost+run+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf33C6_5rFWLPPE5aWGtvsCrQKJuy4ekD52kTt3WWFTRm1azJtfmPGeTi8d_PZc1kYVJdfgo4wSvLr1ZvlNjbIbVlzbkqZTAX3nD7lMbhk1aAqv0Nm4WHKWEI7LBpFSS0ThQt5bTvNz8g/s1600/Ghost+run+2012.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krofti the Moth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Or if you just fancy having some
fun on a Friday evening then this is the perfect event for you. Fancy dress is not compulsory, but is recommended
for extra fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We first learned of this event in
2012 when our good friend Amanda ran it with Krofti our eldest Siberian Husky (dressed
as a moth). We would have loved to run
it with them but had been invited to run New York Marathon as official pace
team members. Amanda and Krofti had such
a fabulous time that we decided that we would definitely run it in 2013, and we
did. I ran as a Fairy Princess with my
two pumpkin Siberian Huskies providing the “ride” and Ian ran as a Ghostbuster. I don’t think anyone had ever seen two
pumpkins move as quickly as those two did off the start line! We slowed as soon as we encountered the first
ghoul as one of the husky pumpkins decided that it was better to trot and “woo
woo” at any nasty ghouls that dared cross his path.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVLHczTJYBDeb3jEqrf_pjMsNVmETT4q6lRdgrs-z5NVoZc27FlpsYNE5bxsmk3PWEtopXSwc6pN5UxZIOR22-T27eJj4H-C44E1DBWSXtv-qzgqsFJsnoasru7YqfPH8fcFdasH0icI/s1600/Ghost+run+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVLHczTJYBDeb3jEqrf_pjMsNVmETT4q6lRdgrs-z5NVoZc27FlpsYNE5bxsmk3PWEtopXSwc6pN5UxZIOR22-T27eJj4H-C44E1DBWSXtv-qzgqsFJsnoasru7YqfPH8fcFdasH0icI/s1600/Ghost+run+2013.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghost Race 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
This year the plan was to just potter
round the course as I was wearing a fracture boot and am currently recovering from
injury. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year I was dressed a ghost
and Ian was a werewolf. Ian ran with Kez
while Kroi helped guide me round the course.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdyN0R4iRDWc5gVD5oQOso1OhyphenhypheneiU2_2nMwiJPZIX06BhXMz6RKuuHOFfQN1fkVvSdUFoSvevC8_VUm0txYOrKi_A3Vb85xG0Bpm-dIpQJsecwQyStgl5Lf4Ou-YA_CRYBxA9JIIqHAQ/s1600/Ghost+run+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdyN0R4iRDWc5gVD5oQOso1OhyphenhypheneiU2_2nMwiJPZIX06BhXMz6RKuuHOFfQN1fkVvSdUFoSvevC8_VUm0txYOrKi_A3Vb85xG0Bpm-dIpQJsecwQyStgl5Lf4Ou-YA_CRYBxA9JIIqHAQ/s1600/Ghost+run+2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The werewolf and the Ghost....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdyN0R4iRDWc5gVD5oQOso1OhyphenhypheneiU2_2nMwiJPZIX06BhXMz6RKuuHOFfQN1fkVvSdUFoSvevC8_VUm0txYOrKi_A3Vb85xG0Bpm-dIpQJsecwQyStgl5Lf4Ou-YA_CRYBxA9JIIqHAQ/s1600/Ghost+run+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>We had fun. I tripped over my sheet and landed in a heap
on the floor, had my head torch yanked off my head by a low overhanging branch
and went a little bit quicker than just a potter. Ian the werewolf zoomed of in the distance at
supersonic speed with Kez the Husky by his side ready to protect him from any
Zombie threat…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kroi remembered the course and
his experience from last year and instead of “wooing” at ghouls he laughed at
them and trotted past, cursing me for slowing him down. He also let me know when I managed to wander
off course due to a lapse in my concentration.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3-UDr2PsNoXB_W3Kez4HHDLk1eQ-PvrmM1pxsDJndDx7hvU4QyLTBzMEC5ORTzZUoK6DLhDfxMXDm2SbQ4jhgSNLMI_NOfUdf9rm18AAlC_CEgHsE9Ju_CEqdyxGiAduJj2fLelEeH8/s1600/medals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3-UDr2PsNoXB_W3Kez4HHDLk1eQ-PvrmM1pxsDJndDx7hvU4QyLTBzMEC5ORTzZUoK6DLhDfxMXDm2SbQ4jhgSNLMI_NOfUdf9rm18AAlC_CEgHsE9Ju_CEqdyxGiAduJj2fLelEeH8/s1600/medals.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The medals: 2012, 2013 & 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Awaiting us at the finish was a
fabulous bespoke medal and goody bag with lots of sweet treats. Even the dogs got medals. The Huskies Running team are all now the
proud owners of a full set of these fabulous medals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you fancy some fun next
Hallowe’en Friday, check out this race, you will not be disappointed.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
(<i>Images thanks to Ian J Berry, Ian Burnett, Amanda Tattersall & me</i>)<br />
<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iOrxhqP273bS2K6vxE34fc4WK8cE-3vUHE1y3HTUYISuOSSB4s_jFLOKIfNELo-pmZLYkmYsWu4rJ3c9s0a8ph8XEz1cVmfHTqOtwAqfkApzshdgJjdGq6DAJSHtkoIj13AMrg5vNfY/s1600/IMG_7699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iOrxhqP273bS2K6vxE34fc4WK8cE-3vUHE1y3HTUYISuOSSB4s_jFLOKIfNELo-pmZLYkmYsWu4rJ3c9s0a8ph8XEz1cVmfHTqOtwAqfkApzshdgJjdGq6DAJSHtkoIj13AMrg5vNfY/s1600/IMG_7699.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A smiling Spike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was with great trepidation that we decided to take Spike
with us on our little family trip to North Wales. Only weeks after major surgery on his hind
leg and currently under very strict restrictions combined with the fact that he
struggles to cope with new situations had us thinking that the best option
would be to leave him at home. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Life has
been very stressful lately for our little “family” and we were concerned that
our plans could potentially compound the situation.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhKzXkAD3-H7aveqYCbt8ylb84U81IdZaeix2wYKLLKCfkROPklTEG3dWefMFq8Oxf8LKSfl5nGJ4CEi2y0Tt4U4unTzGYg-n7jXjHHKILjoVHoZmlCqYi96u42PgL-1RqOVCfLyWoJQ/s1600/IMG_7772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhKzXkAD3-H7aveqYCbt8ylb84U81IdZaeix2wYKLLKCfkROPklTEG3dWefMFq8Oxf8LKSfl5nGJ4CEi2y0Tt4U4unTzGYg-n7jXjHHKILjoVHoZmlCqYi96u42PgL-1RqOVCfLyWoJQ/s1600/IMG_7772.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sad Spike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The three Siberian Huskies we have had since babies are very
flexible and relaxed about their attitude towards change and new things. They follow my lead and if I am cool about
it, then so are they. Spike has a completely
different attitude and struggles with any form of change. He needs to eat in the same place, sleep in
the same place and keep his toys in the same place (neatly arranged in his sleeping
quarters in the living room of our house).
“New” or “different” brings fear to Spike and brings about a very
negative response, a responses that can be both unpredictable and hard to
manage. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike’s recovery from surgery is very slow, fraught with
worry and full of fear and there are many occasions when it feels like we have
huge mountains to climb together. Precipitous
peaks that we fear will never be negotiated satisfactorily. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, Spike is an integral part of our family and to
leave him at home would have been both heart breaking and worrying. We
decided to take him and deal with come what may…<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Q1-fOlemXIVA-J49bxwdmgrj2pa7kaTJGUQYvnMSFT_wQlGkPpG0dafwBd93IWKhVhW-Y6x1R_Si83Wsz110l5GKIzw9hiQIMOcPZ9hgK36pQH8TR76QIB5m3PvN1xfArbBMe0EYuMg/s1600/IMG_7815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Q1-fOlemXIVA-J49bxwdmgrj2pa7kaTJGUQYvnMSFT_wQlGkPpG0dafwBd93IWKhVhW-Y6x1R_Si83Wsz110l5GKIzw9hiQIMOcPZ9hgK36pQH8TR76QIB5m3PvN1xfArbBMe0EYuMg/s1600/IMG_7815.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scary sand, where paws sink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The good news is that we (okay me), over-thought the
situation and Spike absolutely loved his little family holiday and thrived on
the experience. In the past three weeks
he has not smiled much, but while we were away he smiled a lot. He ate very little, but that is okay as food
is not a priority to him and never has been. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike got to meet lovely people and watch the Snowdonia
Marathon, where the love of his life (Ian) ran an amazing time of 2:56. One of his ambitions in life was to run a sub
3 on Snowdonia Marathon and this year he totally nailed it! I personally think that his 5 am very fast
running with Siberian Huskies on muddy hills helped him a little bit. Ian believes
that it was solely down to the beer and pizza that he consumed before the race
at the awesome <a href="http://www.gallt-y-glyn.co.uk/">Gallt-y-Glyn</a>. The reality is that he works very hard and
digs deeper than most when he needs to.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike went to the beach for the first time ever and his
response was both heart-warming and heart-breaking. He loved the waves as he watched them crescendo
on the beach. But he was petrified when
his paws sunk into deep sand as we walked close to the surf. He dropped to the sand, scared to walk
further. I tried to convince him that it
was safe, but I failed and we had to return to the sanctuary of the other
huskies and Ian that were waiting for us on the sand dunes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG0cPqcvaL8NlJyWnBo3Ao-SP5Z8ehNSMiwJyIOHys2jucB4gvG5LEXdx9nLynz4CusaXMbfySXDrsSS1TKj3rZiaEEw27BApuSA9I7IOA_5j8MYXRgJJtozcjzccQN5phPzye0CnLnA/s1600/IMG_8038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG0cPqcvaL8NlJyWnBo3Ao-SP5Z8ehNSMiwJyIOHys2jucB4gvG5LEXdx9nLynz4CusaXMbfySXDrsSS1TKj3rZiaEEw27BApuSA9I7IOA_5j8MYXRgJJtozcjzccQN5phPzye0CnLnA/s1600/IMG_8038.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting a jelly fish... I try to help</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtP5Ql1gAxRWJ37nn9s4FjlaLz1LGDCcTTT0UGLOu4u2r2avXj0PcSp1-AC5KqkV3GhR9YhJHlJH3mKiConkR-uGVpPMgE_heUe9zH4SS6KNoPRs_RvI2IYcMuCUAbQxMWtAVnPXslq9Y/s1600/IMG_8028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtP5Ql1gAxRWJ37nn9s4FjlaLz1LGDCcTTT0UGLOu4u2r2avXj0PcSp1-AC5KqkV3GhR9YhJHlJH3mKiConkR-uGVpPMgE_heUe9zH4SS6KNoPRs_RvI2IYcMuCUAbQxMWtAVnPXslq9Y/s1600/IMG_8028.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting a jelly fish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike also met a jelly fish.
Sadly it was a dead jelly fish left on the sea shore when the tide ebbed
away to the ocean. When he first saw it,
Spike froze and tried to leap over it.
But I was determined to help him understand that although he needed to “respect”
it, there was no imminent danger. He
hesitated and tried to approach it, appearing confused when he saw his
reflection upon its shiny surface. He
stood staring at it for a very long time before slowly advancing forwards and “testing”
it with his teeth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After that he decided
that all was well and whenever we went near it he tried to pull me towards
it! I guess that must mean that Jelly
Fish taste nice, perhaps a little like a jelly bean? <br />
<br />
Meanwhile we took one of the other Huskies over to “meet” the Jelly Fish and he
merely looked at the creature for a millisecond and tapped it with his paw
before moving on to explore the rest of the beach.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9wNUjQiXaxO_9m5JVYFMj8SjCJwnx2H6O3v4nTru8UwBQQJzUu_LvALJe63SGjTB2NVc-M7SN_ZcT1faqNX41H68vlfkRPQipQccjgZUg8xcZrSdIGKOaywJdpAFznUzCkNJjM8yRXg/s1600/Spike+in+wales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9wNUjQiXaxO_9m5JVYFMj8SjCJwnx2H6O3v4nTru8UwBQQJzUu_LvALJe63SGjTB2NVc-M7SN_ZcT1faqNX41H68vlfkRPQipQccjgZUg8xcZrSdIGKOaywJdpAFznUzCkNJjM8yRXg/s1600/Spike+in+wales.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wonder if Spike dreams like I do...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are home now and as I write, Spike is sleeping in his
special place with his toys nestled against his back. He is smiling and looks very content. We made the right decision taking him with
us, of that I am sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-26069926730522814162014-10-11T20:28:00.004+01:002014-10-11T20:40:21.667+01:00Spike: Stepping Stones to Success<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcosdqfraiByGUBzHrFlhYU0yuCOsK6k91SN4j-9poCqHqc4vJlxJ_8xVhyphenhyphen9QXbgJRWoRxJLcBStV0g5ZdN7rDzVJ4psAiVhMleDerrxvS3Y7k-eX_5QuZNRwFWlsWr3XP5EsjBXGJH8Y/s1600/20141010_082022_Figsbury+Rd_LLS+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcosdqfraiByGUBzHrFlhYU0yuCOsK6k91SN4j-9poCqHqc4vJlxJ_8xVhyphenhyphen9QXbgJRWoRxJLcBStV0g5ZdN7rDzVJ4psAiVhMleDerrxvS3Y7k-eX_5QuZNRwFWlsWr3XP5EsjBXGJH8Y/s1600/20141010_082022_Figsbury+Rd_LLS+(2).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>It has been nearly three weeks since Spike had the surgery
to repair his ruptured cruciate ligament.
Three weeks full of many ups and many downs.
The wound on his leg has almost fully healed and the fur is growing back on both his leg and
the area of his spine that was shaved for the epidural.<br />
<br />
Spike is putting weight on his leg, but is struggling to always fully weight bear as he has
lost confidence using that leg. He hops on three legs given the
opportunity as that is his preference. Hopping is quicker that
walking on a weakened leg and we all know that Spike likes to move as quickly
as possible!<br />
<br />
We are working hard to help
him regain his confidence and leg strength, but recovery is long and slow and a
process fraught with fear and worry.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq0F9SEGV7kYrFSE5pThVbC-akQJ_hkVRFep_QQvveAwXO7mLJuy2dxPd9z4sCNeZZZi_2Fre8sG-fdLEbFdfrf-c51uAyhO7gDHfR2BUXudfpk_FkfEWzxmHRtvA5_buLotcoXkC-74/s1600/20141003_071236_Figsbury+Rd_LLS+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdq0F9SEGV7kYrFSE5pThVbC-akQJ_hkVRFep_QQvveAwXO7mLJuy2dxPd9z4sCNeZZZi_2Fre8sG-fdLEbFdfrf-c51uAyhO7gDHfR2BUXudfpk_FkfEWzxmHRtvA5_buLotcoXkC-74/s1600/20141003_071236_Figsbury+Rd_LLS+(2).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big stepping stone - scratching an ear with his injured leg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike is not allowed to play with his husky friends which makes him very sad. He cannot go upstairs, mix freely with his pack or run around the garden. He is
confined to one room in the house on the rare occasions when neither of us
humans are not home to take care of him.
Our lives revolve around his care and welfare, a situation that we are fully
committed to and leaving him alone is very difficult. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He has a big cage which has become his special place, it has his special
beds and toys and treats in it and none of the other huskies ever venture
inside. We placed the cage in his
favourite place in the living room, very close to where Ian does most of his
work during the day. This is a place
where Spike feels happy and secure, close to his favourite human. We have never had to close the door on the
cage, for which I am extremely grateful as to force him to live in such a
confined space would be heart-breaking.
Spike chooses to spend 90% of each day in his special place, with his
toys and treats, resting and recovering.
Spike has little desire to eat and we have to tempt him with whatever we
can. Sometimes it works, sometimes it
does not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our dogs have not historically been given dog chews or dog
treats. They are fed raw and natural
food and have never been trained using food as motivation. Although the exception to this is probably
the homemade flapjack that I make especially for them! Spike struggles with bones due to
his deformed jaw and lack of strength and technique, so the option to use bones
as a boredom reliever does not work. We
decided to get some raw hide treats for him to try…. I am pleased to report that our plan appears
to be working as he likes the raw hide chews and they don’t upset his tummy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-8T3PH4RbhoJj2nDtqS0UYrin3xihpXgPCcRrYqwDX3s6w4xKpzm8T8klpm_XM6qzTALqx_T98l5DZZvB030SD-mSgiLXp6U8a0sxPl8BVbeTUKzwJDPOlepUuEryg4_E3sW4UKgF_0/s1600/DSCN0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-8T3PH4RbhoJj2nDtqS0UYrin3xihpXgPCcRrYqwDX3s6w4xKpzm8T8klpm_XM6qzTALqx_T98l5DZZvB030SD-mSgiLXp6U8a0sxPl8BVbeTUKzwJDPOlepUuEryg4_E3sW4UKgF_0/s1600/DSCN0445.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting new friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Following on from the success of the chew treats,
we decided today to take Spike out for the morning as a special treat and to
break the monotony and boredom of his current situation. We took him to a parkrun event in Bath where
there would be lots of people and lots of trees to sniff. His friend Krofti came too. Krofti at 14 years of age no longer runs
further than once around the block, is completely deaf and a big bit senile,
but loves being with people and going on little adventures. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EqDU8W29zhS38lc8UetXinrBgKp5gOe0umiiVT3jvPRqck_wSfmCiJPWG4_FQ0ck3pD50l5_PIkDJVIFsQ3K1WxWbo58S6ticwPXExn_maL1vRpoQdLdfKgF7xpKLLR_gnuOlkezADw/s1600/DSCN0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EqDU8W29zhS38lc8UetXinrBgKp5gOe0umiiVT3jvPRqck_wSfmCiJPWG4_FQ0ck3pD50l5_PIkDJVIFsQ3K1WxWbo58S6ticwPXExn_maL1vRpoQdLdfKgF7xpKLLR_gnuOlkezADw/s1600/DSCN0450.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pre run cuddle and promise for the future</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am pleased to report that Spike and Krofti loved today’s
little adventure. For the first time in
nearly three weeks Spike smiled. That
very special smile that we have all come to love was on display for most of the
morning. He tried to jump around every
time a person came to say hello, his enthusiasm was delightful to witness but
quite hazardous for me to experience. Trying
to restrain an over enthusiastic young dog with my broken foot in a special boot
and in the mud requires a great deal of concentration! Fracture boots do not provide the same grip
or control that Salomon shoes do!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we returned home both Spike and Krofti were very tired,
but they looked content as they lay down on their special beds. Both were soundly asleep and dreaming within
minutes of walking through the front door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmn8WiPuDjqAcSyMbINRQPeqORFyW8fI7qcXZXQiIVRxsGoTt9W1NiTKUxycZW-aJ9GE2gJ5mOMSw3itS5Av9C-hp2KQeizzfneRywJXDHFPRJpXOv0nsfeqgrQGw9wG8OlCxV-Q4Qr-c/s1600/DSCN0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmn8WiPuDjqAcSyMbINRQPeqORFyW8fI7qcXZXQiIVRxsGoTt9W1NiTKUxycZW-aJ9GE2gJ5mOMSw3itS5Av9C-hp2KQeizzfneRywJXDHFPRJpXOv0nsfeqgrQGw9wG8OlCxV-Q4Qr-c/s1600/DSCN0446.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching and waiting. One day we will run again....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spike and I both have a long road ahead of us before we will be able to run again, but days like today are amazing stepping stones in our
adventure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-68267711100941790992014-10-04T16:49:00.002+01:002014-10-04T16:54:31.581+01:00Spike: born to be a Champion<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg7L5Etg2ErzgfTnsgsRABG5CE0IGBZTxMYha_ArJGH4e7iDDSrDuC8Tv2DH3YfGPs5euOvTnGy1JMB0cb2F669_byMAQnRbmohwwpa2Z8awlxJpOaP42FfooK7cFL9ogNw477-EJjIE/s1600/human+boot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggg7L5Etg2ErzgfTnsgsRABG5CE0IGBZTxMYha_ArJGH4e7iDDSrDuC8Tv2DH3YfGPs5euOvTnGy1JMB0cb2F669_byMAQnRbmohwwpa2Z8awlxJpOaP42FfooK7cFL9ogNw477-EJjIE/s1600/human+boot.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I get a boot, Spike gets just a sticky plaster....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple of weeks ago I set a challenge for Spike and I. The challenge sounds like a simple one, with the
winner being the first one to run without limping for a distance of one mile. The hard part is that we both need to recover
from having a few nuts and bolts and metal bits fitted to our bones first.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week Spike had the operation to repair his ruptured
cruciate ligament. Spike had an operation
called <a href="http://www.tploanswers.com/Pages/WhyTPLO.aspx">Tibial Plateau
Leveling Osteotomy</a> (TPLO), which basically means that they broke his leg,
changed the angle of his tibial plateau and secured with a metal plate. It sounds harsh but due to Spike’s chronic
problems with hip and elbow dysplaysia it was the only viable option. He needs all four legs to work and distribute
the strain applied to his weakened joints, extra force on a weakened joint
could ultimately spell disaster for Spike.
TPLO surgery would hopefully allow Spike to weight bear on his damaged
leg within hours of surgery, or so we hoped.<br />
<br />
Thanks to the wonderful support of the <a href="http://www.npmarathon.com/">North
Pole Marathon</a>, Spike was able to have this very expensive surgery, which
took place on 22<sup>nd</sup> September.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7pGr33yh3Nfx9Pi8jLpcIdbT7yVBjv7ITiQjlIsBM2kDmQCGgn1YzAK6tGgb_6E4cKrEqKHLQ5vltVck-VlVLcFBnnOa5-HJFGvgkVaFCGW1BWQ6g0bXziGLNcJ6peFSOJpqfu_fpgk/s1600/spike+in+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7pGr33yh3Nfx9Pi8jLpcIdbT7yVBjv7ITiQjlIsBM2kDmQCGgn1YzAK6tGgb_6E4cKrEqKHLQ5vltVck-VlVLcFBnnOa5-HJFGvgkVaFCGW1BWQ6g0bXziGLNcJ6peFSOJpqfu_fpgk/s1600/spike+in+box.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting, and relaxing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we picked Spike up from <a href="http://www.andersonmoores.com/">Anderson Moores</a> after his operation
we were prepared to see a very subdued and unhappy Spike having had to undergo
another medical procedure and spend more time away from his family. But we were not prepared for what we were
told.<br />
<br />
Spike had been more than just “unhappy” during the 24 hours he had been away
from us and had reacted very badly to strange people handling him. They had been very fearful of his aggression
and had resorted to heavily sedating him.
This is the same Spike that we have come to love for his strength of
character and determination, the dog that is bottom of our pack and allows us
to do anything to him because he trusts us and respects us. But he is a survivor and a fighter and he now
has major issues with most veterinary people as he thinks they mean him harm. While we are with him he accepts what must be
done, when we are absent he trusts no one.
This breaks my heart as we cannot be with him every time he needs
treatment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is one exception to this, this only vet I have ever
met that has my full and utmost trust and respect. She knows Spike and sees the amazing little
dude that we have all come to know and love.
Spike trusts her, probably only one of three people in this world that
he now completely trusts. She has
diagnosed Spike’s condition right from the start. I describe the symptoms and she knows what is
happening inside his body. Without her
in his life Spike may well have had to experience far more exploratory
procedures that would have caused him more emotional harm. She is good, very good and we are so very grateful for that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuwLD6TziOn1Tt0Jqms-lz_2J-p-yYeUxoA7kETkdKA7ReBuJiWctYUe8aUmLUvBdLxfiouTUK5s0-m25sm5jwLXg5EEk7yE5ripa480mcLGPD-unZ1HIjxe_-1DliPQWiyzihUPrRiQ/s1600/scratching+ear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuwLD6TziOn1Tt0Jqms-lz_2J-p-yYeUxoA7kETkdKA7ReBuJiWctYUe8aUmLUvBdLxfiouTUK5s0-m25sm5jwLXg5EEk7yE5ripa480mcLGPD-unZ1HIjxe_-1DliPQWiyzihUPrRiQ/s1600/scratching+ear.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge progress - a post operative scratch with his bad leg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is not yet two weeks since Spike’s operation, but already
our worst fears have been dispelled. He
walked on his leg within 24 hours of the operation and today he tried to “do a
zoomie” around the garden. Thankfully I
stopped him in time! He is on very
restricted exercise for the next 12 weeks, but he is refusing to accept that….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He requires lots of physiotherapy treatment and lots of
tender loving care. He has the
determination and the attitude to recover from this minor setback and one day
he will return to running one day, of that I am sure. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-aZDdNZzH7Q3Utt6UKG3x4Nv0L69Qy4i6AzcltMI1rBSZfjECWfzXstkwG8FEfkRdjVBfFvXPwCcX2nE0UaqVwzyPJhz3O1o3vrCfChTzUe88fR6KjJNXO-XNhJ8ISfM-0TOHI05P4s/s1600/UBU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-aZDdNZzH7Q3Utt6UKG3x4Nv0L69Qy4i6AzcltMI1rBSZfjECWfzXstkwG8FEfkRdjVBfFvXPwCcX2nE0UaqVwzyPJhz3O1o3vrCfChTzUe88fR6KjJNXO-XNhJ8ISfM-0TOHI05P4s/s1600/UBU.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beer that was created with Spike in mind</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Behind all the smiles and happy Facebook uploads lay countless
hours of trying really hard to teach Spike to walk again. Spike will only regain his proper conformation
by learning to walk properly. This means that every time we work with him we
have to go VERY slowly while desperately trying to curb his enthusiasm to leap
around on three legs. It tests our patience
and we mutter bad words under our breath, but it is what he needs and we want the
best for him. We can manage our
frustration by having a few beers while he sleeps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The past two weeks have been very stressful as we worry
about every move that Spike makes. He
did not eat for a couple of days which worried us lots. But we tempted him with special treats and
lovingly prepared dinners and it worked, eventually he started eating and has
not looked back. He hates his medicine,
much like me! I force it down his throat
while refusing to take mine, which I agree is a little bit hypocritical.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNjGnn8UxLVLiXAsi_PaIkDUszLZkRwZpnTobK8VSBHIQGvOTTmgC2eqwBn3qYoaw9UA7zcA4aQ_70GNJm_MCQXo0ycP7l6ZxczNN7EP3aTLEMU4YfmqFrXVcO5l2JRMnINZG5ejhnlk/s1600/20140927_182747_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNjGnn8UxLVLiXAsi_PaIkDUszLZkRwZpnTobK8VSBHIQGvOTTmgC2eqwBn3qYoaw9UA7zcA4aQ_70GNJm_MCQXo0ycP7l6ZxczNN7EP3aTLEMU4YfmqFrXVcO5l2JRMnINZG5ejhnlk/s1600/20140927_182747_resized.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our combined drugs basket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have not yet had my operation and continue to limp around under
a dark cloud, feeling sorry for myself, meanwhile Spike sleeps a lot but when
he is awake he acts just like a normal Husky.
He wants to run and wants to live life to the full. At the moment he is definitely leading the
way in our one mile running challenge. I
firmly believe he will run that mile before I do and he will so love his
special prize. He is the most worthy
winner and deserves recognition for the fact that he has the right attitude and
the right determination to succeed. This
boy deserves to be a Champion and one day he will be just that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-cqb3rgoKATk%2FVDAVYFOKBlI%2FAAAAAAAABr8%2FMsuZdLAesVg%2Fs1600%2Fspike%252Bin%252Bbox.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7pGr33yh3Nfx9Pi8jLpcIdbT7yVBjv7ITiQjlIsBM2kDmQCGgn1YzAK6tGgb_6E4cKrEqKHLQ5vltVck-VlVLcFBnnOa5-HJFGvgkVaFCGW1BWQ6g0bXziGLNcJ6peFSOJpqfu_fpgk/s1600/spike+in+box.jpg" -->The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-23506488053157433322014-09-28T16:16:00.001+01:002014-09-28T16:18:26.711+01:00The CT Scan: A journey through time...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxE8ISHubCTGmQL2YhOQlLPDAaqVQaN4jZXRzjJ24bQ1ajVXUfdo5-KCX1YSFvI5cXZxnovctje-Be0oZ-qFvlwYyv4aTXIW76ToYvkx00-NVxSBoZSvS6OaXuNAVFN_zJgg_GgdmoTA/s1600/CT+scanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxE8ISHubCTGmQL2YhOQlLPDAaqVQaN4jZXRzjJ24bQ1ajVXUfdo5-KCX1YSFvI5cXZxnovctje-Be0oZ-qFvlwYyv4aTXIW76ToYvkx00-NVxSBoZSvS6OaXuNAVFN_zJgg_GgdmoTA/s1600/CT+scanner.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siemens CT Scanner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I was first informed that I required a <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ct-scan/Pages/Introduction.aspx">CT Scan</a>
on my foot I was not worried. Many years
ago I had a scan performed on my left ankle and I have no negative memories of
it. <br />
I know that in simplistic terms CT
scans produce computerised images of inside the bone – lots of little slices
through the bone rather than just the surface like conventional x-ray images. I envisaged CT Scanning equipment that looked
like a giant x-ray machine and as I lay there it would silently capture images
of my insides. I was prescribed a CT
scan to determine an “abnormality” within the big toe joint of my right foot
which had been seen on previous conventional x-rays.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The actual CT Scanning machine looks like a giant doughnut and
the subject is positioned inside it dependant on which area of the body is
being scanned. In my case I was laying
down looking straight at it with only my foot inside the actual “doughnut”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I looked at the machine around my lower leg I was
instantly reminded of scenes from science fiction films where people are
transported to other worlds and parasitic aliens try to invade human bodies. I laughed at my active imagination and blamed
it on all the <a href="http://www.patrickleefiction.com/">Patrick Lee</a> books
that I have been reading recently. I
had just about composed myself when the noise started…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwMFS_8FIirU7y52Mg180HY22Uo9IGbSyZ7rimw20MVSdt_jeP69HvRlkJp9UHlAN6ZykhgqAZoKfcsEslyWN52-2mzHrsTywUIhZXdind2ZLpIaXOb4Wwy5ayLHeomT3K2vKzsv1Azc/s1600/stargate-sg1-06%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwMFS_8FIirU7y52Mg180HY22Uo9IGbSyZ7rimw20MVSdt_jeP69HvRlkJp9UHlAN6ZykhgqAZoKfcsEslyWN52-2mzHrsTywUIhZXdind2ZLpIaXOb4Wwy5ayLHeomT3K2vKzsv1Azc/s1600/stargate-sg1-06%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The actual Stargate....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the CT machine started working it took me by
surprise. I was not prepared for the
noise and to be honest I felt very scared.
The noise reminded me of the noise that the portal gate makes in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stargate_SG-1">Stargate SG1</a> when it
starts dialling into another world. My
imagination went into overload and I could see spinning symbols and wormholes
appearing through the giant ring….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was over in minutes and I am glad to report that I was
not transported into another world or attacked by aliens! However, something amazing did happen, I was
transported back in time…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not sure at which point it happened, but I suddenly accessed
a memory of an incident that happened a very long time ago. This incident is now the biggest suspect in
the quest to determine what the problem is with the bone in my big toe joint.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I emerged from the scanning machine I looked down at my
foot and saw that the scar across my big toe was still there. I had forgotten all about the accident, wiped
it from my memory and not once had it entered my mind during all the
investigations <o:p></o:p></div>
and recent medical developments with my foot.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was a young teenager one day at school a desk fell on
my foot. It was a heavily built wooden
style desk and the edge of it landed on my right foot, the big toe absorbing
most of the impact. It hurt like crazy
and there was a nasty little wound. I
remember the teacher telling me that it was nothing serious and all it needed
was a little plaster to cover the bleeding wound. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The accident with the desk happened at a time when I was
getting a reputation for being someone who “pretended” to have a sore ankle as
I would limp one minute and then be fine the next. (This ankle injury would ultimately live with
me for the rest of my life and take two
decades to find a doctor that actually believed me. Three operations later I
still frequently find myself limping one minute and then running very long
distances the next….) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIjSbpxLldhrXkOi4eWhy0jiozzx988UhggxSuZy-Zi0fk-Pgb8FqwwFvz07KzZA9zI8X7OXLjgbaUaZz2CJD8RJdYWncQhLOveD-8Yjt6GRrIM9g5VNV2m5Qh0rgfTH7JM2PgLiiRLk/s1600/10557485_10203131015730832_4498061926739215518_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIjSbpxLldhrXkOi4eWhy0jiozzx988UhggxSuZy-Zi0fk-Pgb8FqwwFvz07KzZA9zI8X7OXLjgbaUaZz2CJD8RJdYWncQhLOveD-8Yjt6GRrIM9g5VNV2m5Qh0rgfTH7JM2PgLiiRLk/s1600/10557485_10203131015730832_4498061926739215518_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't find a photo of the desk...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, I basically ignored the problem with my big toe as
my ankle was more painful and a greater concern. Once the wound healed up I ignored it and
eventually it went away or certainly was no longer a problem until about ten
years ago I started feeling pain in it. The
pain was intermittent and I never worried about it, just assumed that it was
due to over compensation when my ankle was hurting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then about two years ago it became a significant problem,
causing a lot of pain and inflammation when I was running and significant
distance. The pain intensified as time
passed, like really bad toothache deep in the joint. I saw a foot specialist in 2013 who diagnosed
the problem as <a href="http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/hallux-valgus">hallux-valgus</a>
for which surgery was recommended in early 2014. The surgery involves bolts and screws in the
bone and the recovery is very long, not something I was keen to pursue unless
absolutely necessary. I would also need
to have a 6 week period of no running at all and taking daily anti-inflammatory
drugs before they could perform the operation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I decided to postpone the surgery as I was able to manage
the pain and control the swelling and to be honest my ankle was more of a
problem earlier this year. Plus there
were other priorities in my life such as realising my sub 4 minute mile dream
with Spike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijU6qgY4Jw_hSYK8DxP1zIohdP0CCm0OSn3xFAWpz-eWU4TYqxUAeRPigfZn90QCoyS3N5LyIzNQXaVk1WvlA_HjiJ-FuXL1oo07Ug97sPRb5khPVicQd2gxtXRNkvMuBual9v3x5sXUU/s1600/10342012_255397051330673_4358262345449243145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijU6qgY4Jw_hSYK8DxP1zIohdP0CCm0OSn3xFAWpz-eWU4TYqxUAeRPigfZn90QCoyS3N5LyIzNQXaVk1WvlA_HjiJ-FuXL1oo07Ug97sPRb5khPVicQd2gxtXRNkvMuBual9v3x5sXUU/s1600/10342012_255397051330673_4358262345449243145_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very special Husky and "his" beer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My plan was working until July of this year when suddenly
the pain in my big toe became unbearable.
It was so painful that I could not even walk and had to resort to serious
hobbling and walking on the outside of my foot.
The doctor prescribed very strong painkillers and anti-inflammatories,
based on the hallux-valgus diagnosis. I then
developed a strange pain further up the foot and was advised that it was due to
over compensation, which made sense as I walking in a very weird way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then one day there was a really loud crack and the pain was
worse than ever. It took two days to
convince the Doctor to send me for an x-ray at A&E, where I was advised
that I had two fractures – one at the top of the shaft on the second metatarsal
and one in the big toe joint. The second
metatarsal fracture was almost definitely a stress fracture, but there was
something weird about the bone structure of my big toe, it looked like an old
fracture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my consultant viewed the x-rays and compared them with
all the x-rays that have been taken in the past two years this “fracture”
appears in all of them. My consultant cannot
explain it neither could any of the Radiologists that were shown the images of
my foot. Hopefully the images from the
CT Scan will identify what it is and my consultant will determine how best to
treat it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In seven days’ time I will hopefully have the answer and a
way forward that will allow me to walk again and lead a normal life. I have been disabled for 2.5 months and as
each week passes it becomes harder to manage.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The experience yesterday was a revelation that I did not expect
and has given me a renewed hope for the future. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The CT Scan may have helped me travel back in time yesterday
and ultimately provide a solution to my pain, but I don’t need a time
travelling machine to show me the future, I have my dreams for that….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(<i>Photos courtesy of Siemens, Stargate Command & Ian J Berry</i>)</div>
<br />
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-17411055817434341622014-09-21T17:34:00.003+01:002014-09-21T18:45:26.639+01:00The Spikes of Life<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ1T-upK6jTThA_cQs6950hhV1MOshr7yp-lMM8hNKwTj8-tWoYLLELy5c99PVQyRsqDLGBMa7AljVmB86rpl3FNNneLoIFJgRt0J1SwjdyyQtKaMAAdGCKW6GjY3mS0OW6X3VCp_0NA/s1600/1+April+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ1T-upK6jTThA_cQs6950hhV1MOshr7yp-lMM8hNKwTj8-tWoYLLELy5c99PVQyRsqDLGBMa7AljVmB86rpl3FNNneLoIFJgRt0J1SwjdyyQtKaMAAdGCKW6GjY3mS0OW6X3VCp_0NA/s1600/1+April+2013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spike in the early days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Spike first entered our life as a pathetic and very
underweight puppy in April 2013 he had been severely neglected and abused. Our job as his foster home for SHCGB Welfare
was to rehabilitate him and help him find a wonderful home. We were a temporary home and transitional
place on his journey of life. <br />
<br />
We helped him gain weight, grow a fabulous coat of plush fur and watched his personality
grow and shine. As he grew in body and
mind we dreamed of finding him the perfect forever home that would allow his
personality to fully shine.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3eW50Zo4PkNS1tX4TIxAQcd_MdXsM34ivgpqMb9pC-lvPbMQAWe-kw_gHG8mVE4W7scvcPM4KkRAd6cy54AvLgJ5PkxIsWC1X2Z4f5QlXplHv0e0ri6Iz_vhNqkowx0u_jNSBAYA1Rw/s1600/CaniX-Lydiard+Park-Mar+14-149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3eW50Zo4PkNS1tX4TIxAQcd_MdXsM34ivgpqMb9pC-lvPbMQAWe-kw_gHG8mVE4W7scvcPM4KkRAd6cy54AvLgJ5PkxIsWC1X2Z4f5QlXplHv0e0ri6Iz_vhNqkowx0u_jNSBAYA1Rw/s1600/CaniX-Lydiard+Park-Mar+14-149.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Spike smiles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sadly fate has not been kind to Spike and the combination of
his ancestry and the extreme neglect in the formative months of his life resulted
in a body that is very broken. When we
learned of the full extent of his disabilities and the prognosis for life we
chose to adopt him and made a vow to give him the best life that we could. As long as Spike smiled we would know that were
fulfilling our vow to him.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In January this year, after his last CT scan when the full
extent of his elbow dysplasia was confirmed, we were told to expect Spike to
live for 6 – 9 months. We are now near the
end of September and he is still with us, but his condition has deteriorated
and last week we feared the worst.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last Sunday Spike ruptured his cruciate ligament and has
walked (or hopped) on three legs since then.
This is putting huge strain on his other hind leg and both forelegs. Not good news for a dog that has severe elbow
dysplasia and hip dysplasia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpb1oXyrOwu-ZLxXBL6kKq7AaEKufBuIQSW_SmpH57VSesTLtd69IfT4N0Q_2J2uNOkc4NOfgD5MDNMi40isXRXjfasPB912gl0hxTGpjgAx99o1ifJPYyc_PQygw92vgsjgRyieTeLw/s1600/The+forever+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpb1oXyrOwu-ZLxXBL6kKq7AaEKufBuIQSW_SmpH57VSesTLtd69IfT4N0Q_2J2uNOkc4NOfgD5MDNMi40isXRXjfasPB912gl0hxTGpjgAx99o1ifJPYyc_PQygw92vgsjgRyieTeLw/s1600/The+forever+photo.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing what he loves best</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Prior to the cruciate injury (sustained when he stumbled in
a pothole yards from home), Spike had started showing extreme lameness in his
front right leg (arm). His ability to
exercise had reduced and he was smiling less.
But in true Husky style, Spike found other ways to entertain his active
mind and hedgehog hunting became a nightly activity. He would head off outside every evening and
wait for the hedgehog to enter our garden….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaHawgpQ_IDeVJL2Nyuoq82V4f1NFWHMiGEeQtYtse0A4qDV6KEb5KQVdA3LYGNiuML9tlIPGv9ezAs7HgpIjjdTpNxEGEO1DDZUlzvLeenmnLp14fD-H8bPprzNlo45TSz2suZ8GdhM/s1600/10686696_10203384116618196_5752466196724110363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaHawgpQ_IDeVJL2Nyuoq82V4f1NFWHMiGEeQtYtse0A4qDV6KEb5KQVdA3LYGNiuML9tlIPGv9ezAs7HgpIjjdTpNxEGEO1DDZUlzvLeenmnLp14fD-H8bPprzNlo45TSz2suZ8GdhM/s1600/10686696_10203384116618196_5752466196724110363_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of Spike's friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Normally they arrived around 2am and Spike would greet the
hedgehog with a crescendo of barking.
That was the cue for Ian and me to leap out of bed and rescue the
hedgehog. So far we have rescued and
relocated three hedgehogs, much to the disappointment of Spike who still
longingly looks at the fence line each night looking for his spikey friends. No hedgehogs have entered our garden since
Spike injured his cruciate, but we still have the special “hedgehog holding pen”
just in case…. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDCKcEaIAYX0_mv7HlhCiagDtjXSdlI_AhE4uXceEy6CcSmf8EbqJgaGkBissjil856w7V0gGN_G-uc_8-0hc4GajeGRkp_DVaz_iDsU7LqNE3Rn_ESkFe3B49JrSEbfLrQOnq-GkHtA/s1600/NP+Logo+_+Trademark+2013_Black_Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDCKcEaIAYX0_mv7HlhCiagDtjXSdlI_AhE4uXceEy6CcSmf8EbqJgaGkBissjil856w7V0gGN_G-uc_8-0hc4GajeGRkp_DVaz_iDsU7LqNE3Rn_ESkFe3B49JrSEbfLrQOnq-GkHtA/s1600/NP+Logo+_+Trademark+2013_Black_Web.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is very interesting watching Spike manage his pain and
see how much he still smiles even though it hurts so much. I find it especially humbling as I too have
to manage daily pain in two of my joints. I am grumpy, miserable and having
been unable to run for over two months I am really struggling to cope with
normal life. I refuse to take drugs and
pretend that I can continue without an operation, ignore it and it may go away…<br />
<br />
Meanwhile we give Spike drugs to make life easier for him and when surgery is
suggested, we accept that it must happen and somehow we will find the time
and money to manage.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully Spike has the most amazing sponsor and supporter. Thanks to the <a href="file:///C:/Users/Sandra/Documents/Symantec">North Pole
Marathon</a> Spike can have the operation required to repair his cruciate
ligament. There is only one surgical option
available to him because of his elbow problems and it is very expensive. It is called <a href="http://www.tploanswers.com/Pages/default.aspx">TPLO</a>, if you would
like to know more about the procedure please do have a look.<br />
<br />
Without the help that the North Pole Marathon have provided, Spike would not be
able to have this surgery which for him is life-saving. Without this invaluable help Spike would not
be able to continue smiling, something that we dream of continuing for the
foreseeable future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_55jdoSHOo1EcVSQkQY2Q-WL9O1aa7Mr6x3QVfvfNmx8vyPjGvVvsJ7qEfT9aKsccVyRs4pn9k-oMIJ2LG_jkiUELI9YVQYJKiSd7fGiZgWpcmxygT7T97JhbZO1nsWu-yD9LLbEk3rc/s1600/20140919_202941_Figsbury+Rd_LLS+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_55jdoSHOo1EcVSQkQY2Q-WL9O1aa7Mr6x3QVfvfNmx8vyPjGvVvsJ7qEfT9aKsccVyRs4pn9k-oMIJ2LG_jkiUELI9YVQYJKiSd7fGiZgWpcmxygT7T97JhbZO1nsWu-yD9LLbEk3rc/s1600/20140919_202941_Figsbury+Rd_LLS+(2).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Dreams are what propel us into action and I am someone that
dreams a lot. I once had a dream that Spike and I would run together on top of
the World. Two beings with broken bodies
brought together by their love of running and doing it on one of the most
amazing places on this Planet.<br />
<br />
Whatever the future holds for Spike or for me, neither of us is ready to give
up running. Spike will have his
operation tomorrow and my surgery will follow in the coming weeks.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With Ian’s help and support and the support of people like you, combined with our joint determination to run I know that Spike and me will once again run together. We may never actually run on top of the World, but in our hearts we will.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-947413691334841673.post-73270706339419799562014-08-16T18:08:00.000+01:002014-08-16T18:09:52.530+01:00The best bit about being injured.....<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuPesQeO5kFFNve6fJgSlvnhuNo_xY73yNl9rIldAjUIEooqukNosyGjEEmGcc5Ob3clOhDVQ3Id2Ee94v2WgC3npQRhgIwXTrvkUM_wEYj0Z-V08-9cajSQuVriF9qTdi_VchtZTwkg/s1600/aaaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuPesQeO5kFFNve6fJgSlvnhuNo_xY73yNl9rIldAjUIEooqukNosyGjEEmGcc5Ob3clOhDVQ3Id2Ee94v2WgC3npQRhgIwXTrvkUM_wEYj0Z-V08-9cajSQuVriF9qTdi_VchtZTwkg/s1600/aaaa.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I can still drink beer....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay, truth be known, there is no such thing as “best bits” about
being injured. There are no best bits,
it sucks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And being disabled is so much harder to manage than just
being injured. The fact that I cannot
presently run is the least of my worries.
At the moment I cannot lead a “normal” life. I cannot do the things that I previously took
for granted and that is pretty hard to accept.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used to run up and down stairs; walk from room to room
without hesitation; jump in the car and drive to the shops; exercise the dogs;
walk around people with anonymity; be able to wear whatever I wanted…. The list
goes on, but I guess you get my drift.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the moment I hobble around in a CAM walking boot with
crutches or a walking stick to help me along the way. It is very noticeable that I am “not normal”
and it has amazed me how this condition affects those around me. Some people go out of their way to help me
while others appear to regard me as an inconvenience that may get in their way
and ruthlessly cut me up. And then there
are those that are just downright rude, obnoxious and treat me like I have the
Ebola Virus….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found myself in the middle of a shop today close to tears
as a result of the frustration that I am feeling and the rudeness of several
members of the public. I wanted to stand
there and scream out that I was still ME.
But it would have fallen on deaf ears and they would have possibly
questioned my sanity and whether I perhaps needed some help…..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMW53QTbg_IFE5J58AbjaGWT1qPM3GO17C-UByEOcKfy0FSZzaRkH_WH-dZDvSWkShihP2US2OYRGPxe3FqfmF_LFMYcgQc3F4OvMYvS2WfjsnEM8BJTSCo_EjyrYdeCTXwnDOXLc_bs/s1600/aaaaaaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCMW53QTbg_IFE5J58AbjaGWT1qPM3GO17C-UByEOcKfy0FSZzaRkH_WH-dZDvSWkShihP2US2OYRGPxe3FqfmF_LFMYcgQc3F4OvMYvS2WfjsnEM8BJTSCo_EjyrYdeCTXwnDOXLc_bs/s1600/aaaaaaa.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am still "ME|", I promise!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then I suddenly thought of all the people out there that
struggle to cope with injury or ailment within their minds. My situation is very visual as I have a huge “moon
boot” type thing on my lower leg and crutches to lean upon. There are others that silently suffer while
others around them struggle to know what to do.
Should they be sympathetic; tough; or indifferent? How does one manage a situation when they see
a loved one suffering from an illness hidden deep inside?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are no miracle cures to injury or illness, whether it
is in the mind or in the body. The
recovery process is long and it is slow, but it is not without reward. The light at the end of the tunnel can be a
very bright light, but boy is there a deep darkness to wade through before one
reaches that light!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvWxfpLl0WySZI_HQcmpgB6zSrAFvsRHqQH5D8AAXDGe4KiNiUAEGXcKoNqxcTAeVOZMTDASqrvt5stRqQuUAHpakPg-1_t1FER1mcIcjHcWtLgDQ3tZKLzJyAxcWGWKOYdl-KYfHofM/s1600/Walking+stick.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvvWxfpLl0WySZI_HQcmpgB6zSrAFvsRHqQH5D8AAXDGe4KiNiUAEGXcKoNqxcTAeVOZMTDASqrvt5stRqQuUAHpakPg-1_t1FER1mcIcjHcWtLgDQ3tZKLzJyAxcWGWKOYdl-KYfHofM/s1600/Walking+stick.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very special walking stick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The majority of people in this world are wonderful examples
of humanity. Sympathetic and helpful while
accepting of those that are in a vulnerable position and need some help.<br />
<br />
And now for the best bit….<br />
<br />
Minutes after I nearly broke down in tears today I met a very old man walking
with a stick that had the head of a Labrador dog engraved on the top of
it. As our eyes met, he smiled at me
with my crutches and “moon boot” and told me that not so long ago he had two
sticks and now he only needed one. No
matter how bad it appears to be, there is always hope. Hope and a belief that the future is very
bright indeed <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
The Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05167221049617083142noreply@blogger.com